Jaipur LPG Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Climbs to 18 as Three More Victims Pass Away

Jaipur, Dec 25 (NationPress) Three additional individuals, including a severely burnt woman, have tragically succumbed to their injuries on Wednesday at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, increasing the fatality count from the Jaipur LPG tanker explosion to 18. Vijayata (22), hailing from Pratapgarh, passed away at approximately 4 a.m., while Vijendra (36) from Pawta (Jaipur) died around 9:30 a.m. Subsequently, Banshilal (35) also lost his battle for life at 1 p.m. Both Vijay and Vijendra had sustained 70 percent burns. All three victims were locals of Rajasthan, as confirmed by officials.

At present, 15 patients suffering from severe burns are being treated in the burn ward of SMS Hospital.

The remains of the deceased have been placed in the hospital mortuary and are scheduled to be handed over to their families following post-mortem examinations conducted by a medical board. On Tuesday, two additional victims, Naresh Babu from Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Yusuf from Nuh (Haryana), also passed away.

Dr. Rakesh Jain, a plastic surgeon at SMS Hospital, confirmed that the total death toll stands at 18. Following the deaths of two individuals on Tuesday, three more fatalities were reported on Wednesday—two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Among the deceased were two men and one woman, he stated.

Currently, one critically injured patient requires a ventilator, while 15 others are under medical care. Furthermore, five patients have been discharged—three on Monday and two on Tuesday, he noted.

The tragic incident occurred near Bhankrota on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway on December 20, where four individuals were burned alive instantly, and eight others succumbed the same day during treatment at SMS Hospital. Additionally, one death was reported at Jaipuria Hospital.

On Tuesday, police conducted an interrogation with Jaiveer Singh, the driver of the LPG tanker involved in the explosion. He disclosed that the incident transpired when he made a U-turn to access the ring road at 5:44 a.m. A truck collided with his tanker from behind, resulting in the explosion. Authorities have also summoned Anil, the truck owner from Delhi, for further questioning.

Jaiveer Singh recounted that he was alone in the tanker during the accident. Once he recognized the gravity of the situation, he fled the scene. The gas leak ignited, creating a massive "ball of fire" that engulfed the road. Singh managed to reach the ring road and informed the truck owner, Anil Kumar, about the incident before turning off his phone.

Investigators are actively pursuing the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.