Jaipur, December 26: The death toll in the Bhankrota LPG tanker blast on Ajmer Road has risen to 18, with three more casualties reported on Wednesday at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. Among the deceased are a 22-year-old woman and a former IAS officer.
Recent Casualties
The victims who succumbed to injuries on Wednesday have been identified as Vijeta (22) from Pratapgarh, Rajasthan; Vijendra (36) from Bhuri Badaj, Jaipur; and Bansilal (35). Vijeta and Vijendra had sustained 70% burns, and despite intensive care in the burn unit at SMS Hospital, their lives could not be saved. Their bodies have been moved to the mortuary for postmortem examinations by a medical board before being handed over to their families.
Casualties Continue to Rise
Two deaths were reported on Tuesday as well, including Naresh Babu from Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Yusuf from Nuh, Haryana. Dr. Rakesh Jain, a plastic surgeon at SMS Hospital, confirmed that a total of 18 lives have been lost since the incident. Currently, one critical patient remains on a ventilator, and 15 others are undergoing treatment. Five patients have been discharged in the past two days, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
The Incident
The catastrophic LPG tanker blast occurred on December 20 near DPS School on Ajmer Road. The explosion led to a massive fire that engulfed over 40 vehicles, a sleeper bus, and a roadside pipe factory. Four individuals were charred to death on the spot, while eight more succumbed to injuries at SMS Hospital the same day.
The intensity of the fire left several victims trapped inside a sleeper bus as its exit door became jammed due to the collision. Rescue efforts were hindered by the inferno, forcing responders to remove some bodies in bags after the flames were extinguished.
Identification of Deceased
In a breakthrough, the identity of one previously unidentified victim has been confirmed as Kalu Ram, a cleaner on a Udaipur-to-Jaipur bus. Kalu Ram’s identity was established through DNA matching with his children after Jaipur police spent four days coordinating with authorities in Chittorgarh. The victim’s incomplete Aadhaar card details had initially complicated the process.
Police Investigation
Jaipur (West) Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kumar stated that the tanker driver survived the incident, leading to confusion in identifying a partially burned body. All but one deceased have now been identified, with the last confirmed as Kalu Ram Jatiya.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
