Back-to-back blasts on NH48 after LPG truck collides with tanker, 3 injured

A terrifying sequence of events unfolded on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway (NH-48) late Tuesday night when a truck carrying LPG gas cylinders was struck by a tanker, immediately engulfing the vehicles in flames and setting off multiple, deafening explosions. The fiery incident, which occurred near the Dudu area, brought the critical national highway to a complete standstill as the high-intensity blaze threatened surrounding areas and passing traffic.

The collision was severe enough to rapidly heat the pressurized gas cylinders, triggering a dangerous chain reaction. Eyewitnesses reported that the cylinders began to rupture violently, causing multiple blasts that were visible and audible from a distance of several kilometres. Some of the exploded cylinders were reportedly propelled several meters away from the point of collision, indicating the massive force of the detonation.

The accident site quickly transformed into a high-alert zone, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Police officers, fire brigades, and senior district administration officials immediately rushed to the location to manage the crisis, focusing their efforts on containing the unpredictable fire and securing the damaged stretch of the road. All traffic was decisively halted on the highway to ensure safety and provide space for the fire tenders.

Initial information suggests the truck transporting the LPG cylinders was parked outside a roadside hotel when the accident took place, as its driver was reportedly inside having a meal. The tanker then collided forcefully with the parked vehicle from the rear. This narrative was supported by officials who confirmed that the driver of the offending tanker was among the few individuals who sustained injuries in the immediate aftermath.

Authorities confirmed that two to three persons, including the tanker driver, were injured and transported to nearby hospitals for primary medical treatment. However, the situation remains tense as the drivers and cleaners of the involved trucks are currently reported missing.