The Madhya Pradesh government has announced it will bear the full medical expenses for all 13 individuals injured in a major fire that broke out at a petrol pump in Pachor town, Rajgarh district, on Monday evening. The blaze, which erupted during a fuel transfer operation near the old bus stand, triggered widespread panic in the densely populated central market area.

How the Fire Broke Out

The fire reportedly ignited on Monday evening while fuel was being transferred from a tanker into an underground storage tank at the filling station. Intense flames shot up suddenly, quickly engulfing the premises in thick smoke. The blaze spread so rapidly that the fuel tanker itself caught fire, significantly intensifying the inferno and complicating firefighting efforts. It took the fire department approximately 45 minutes of strenuous effort to bring the blaze under control. Around 15 motorcycles parked at the site were completely gutted in the fire.

Injuries and Immediate Response

All 13 injured persons are currently receiving treatment at Shajapur District Hospital, where the medical team has been directed to prioritise their recovery under state support. One critically injured individual has been referred to Indore for advanced care, according to reports. Local authorities and emergency response teams arrived shortly after the alert was raised to manage crowds and evacuate the injured.

Government Assurance and Political Response

On Tuesday morning, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Employment visited the victims at Shajapur government hospital to monitor their recovery and ensure they were receiving quality medical care. Following his visit, the minister shared updates on social media, stating that he had met with the injured citizens to enquire about their well-being. He also held discussions with administrative officials and medical staff, issuing strict instructions to provide all necessary assistance and the best possible medical facilities to those affected. Shajapur MLA Arun Bhimawad also reached the hospital late on Monday night to interact with the victims and oversee the emergency medical response.

What Happens Next

With the state government committed to covering all treatment costs, the focus now shifts to the recovery of the critically referred patient in Indore and a formal investigation into the cause of the fire during the fuel transfer operation. Authorities are expected to review safety protocols at petrol pump filling stations across the district in the wake of the incident.