What Happened to the Chemical Tanker on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway?
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Synopsis
A tragic incident unfolded on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway when a chemical tanker carrying methanol overturned and ignited, leading to the death of the driver and panic among commuters. This report delves into the chaos that ensued and the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Key Takeaways
- A chemical tanker carrying methanol overturned and caught fire.
- The incident resulted in the death of the driver, Rajendra Zinda.
- Panic ensued among motorists, leading to a significant traffic jam.
- Authorities are investigating the cause and assessing environmental risks.
- This event highlights the need for better safety measures in hazardous material transport.
Jaipur, June 25 (NationPress) A chemical tanker transporting methanol overturned and ignited on Wednesday close to Maukhampura town along the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway, tragically leading to the death of the driver and creating significant disruption on this busy route.
As per the Maukhampura Police, the victim has been identified as Rajendra Zinda, the tanker’s driver, who succumbed to his injuries instantly due to severe burns.
The raging fire consumed the vehicle in no time, with dense smoke visible from over 300 metres away, compelling nearby motorists to halt and evacuate swiftly.
In a rush of panic, many travelers abandoned their cars on the highway and sprinted into adjacent fields, fearing a potential explosion from the chemical leak.
Witnesses making their way to Jaipur recounted, “The tanker flipped and erupted into flames. Everyone was in a frenzy; we stopped our vehicle and dashed back to safety. Thankfully, no additional casualties were reported.”
Methanol, known for its high flammability, spread across the road, further hindering firefighting operations.
Emergency services, including the fire brigade and police, quickly responded to manage the crisis.
A police unit indicated that traffic on the National Highway had to be rerouted to a single lane as efforts were underway to clear debris and restore normal traffic.
This incident caused a traffic jam extending several kilometres, resulting in widespread panic among travelers. The fire, fueled by methanol, led to numerous motorists abandoning their vehicles and fleeing for their safety.
Authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding the tanker's overturning while assessing environmental and safety risks stemming from the chemical spill.
This incident echoes a tragic event on December 20, 2024, when over 20 individuals lost their lives following a massive fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway due to an LPG tanker colliding with a truck.
Point of View
The tragic incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures for hazardous materials transport. As we reflect on this unfortunate event, it is vital that authorities thoroughly investigate and implement policies to prevent such incidents in the future while ensuring public safety remains a priority.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tanker to overturn?
The investigation into the exact cause of the tanker overturning is ongoing, with authorities examining various factors that could have contributed to the incident.
How did the fire affect traffic?
The fire caused significant traffic disruptions, leading to long jams extending several kilometres on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway.
What safety measures are in place for chemical transport?
Transporting chemicals typically involves strict safety regulations, including vehicle standards and emergency response protocols, which need to be reviewed and enforced more rigorously.
What is methanol and why is it dangerous?
Methanol is a highly flammable chemical used in various industries. Its flammability poses a significant risk during transport and storage.
Have there been previous incidents on this highway?
Yes, this highway has witnessed other tragic incidents, including a severe accident in December 2024 that resulted in multiple fatalities.
