A truck carrying LPG cylinders caught fire after colliding with a tanker on the Jaipur–Ajmer highway late on Tuesday night (October 7, 2025), triggering a series of explosions and massive flames visible from several kilometres away, officials said.

Multiple explosions after collision

According to the police, the impact of the collision caused several LPG cylinders in the truck to burst one after another, sending debris flying across the area. Eyewitnesses said that some of the cylinders were thrown several metres from the site due to the intensity of the explosions.

Traffic on the busy national highway came to a halt as fire tenders and police personnel rushed to the scene near the Dudu area. The flames and loud explosions caused panic among nearby residents and motorists.

IG Jaipur Rahul Prakash confirmed that two to three people, including the tanker driver, sustained injuries in the incident.

Officials confirm situation under control

Jaipur Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Ravi Shekhawat said that, as per initial reports, the driver of the tanker was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. “All arrangements have been made at SMS Hospital in Jaipur, though no seriously injured persons have been brought in so far,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, who visited the site on Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s directions, stated that the situation was under control and that no casualties had been reported yet.

“Drivers and cleaners of the trucks are currently missing, and efforts are underway to trace them,” Mr. Bairwa told reporters.

Eyewitnesses recall moment of impact

Local eyewitnesses said the truck loaded with LPG cylinders had been parked outside a roadside hotel when the accident occurred. “The truck driver had gone for a meal when a tanker hit the vehicle from behind,” said Vinod, an eyewitness.

He added that the tanker driver suffered injuries and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. “Within moments of the collision, several cylinders exploded, and the entire area was engulfed in flames,” Vinod said.

Rescue and fire control efforts

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby establishments. The police and local administration cordoned off the area to restrict public movement and prevent further damage.

Senior officials, including those from the district administration and police department, remained on site to monitor the situation. Authorities said the cause of the collision is under investigation, and the fire is being treated as an accident for now.

Highway safety concerns

This accident has once again raised concerns about the transportation of hazardous materials on busy highways. Officials noted that LPG cylinder trucks require strict adherence to safety protocols, including parking restrictions and escort provisions, especially in densely populated or commercial stretches.

The Jaipur–Ajmer highway has witnessed several such incidents in the past. In December last year, an LPG tanker collided with a truck near Bhankrota, sparking a massive fireball that killed 19 people and reduced several vehicles to ashes.

Authorities said they would review safety measures for transporters carrying flammable materials to avoid a repeat of such accidents.