At least eight people have been killed and more than 40 others injured after a truck carrying chemicals hit other trucks and caught fire outside a petrol pump in India's Jaipur.
The incident took place on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in the Bhankrota area on Friday, Indian broadcaster NDTV reports.
At least 28 victims are in critical condition and more people are feared dead.
Videos from the accident site showed thick plumes of smoke rising from vehicles engulfed in flames. Several people sustained burn injuries, according to police.
"The fire engulfed several trucks. The number of trucks involved in the incident is not clear. Some people with burn injuries have been rushed to hospitals in ambulances," PTI quoted Manish Gupta, station house officer (SHO) at Bhankrota, as saying.
The accident affected nearly a 300-metre stretch of the highway, halting traffic and creating a long queue of vehicles. A traffic corridor was opened to transport the injured to SMS Hospital, with at least 25 ambulances carrying victims for medical treatment.
Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni said that around 40 vehicles were caught in the blaze, adding that most of the fire had been brought under control.
"It was very difficult to control the fire. Fire brigade teams were not able to reach the burning vehicles. There were three petrol pumps in the affected area but fortunately, they are safe," said SHO Manish Gupta.
"Around 24-25 people have been admitted to the ICU. More people are coming. Many people have been injured in the incident. It is a severe accident...," SMS Medical College Principal, Dr Deepak Maheshwari said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Sharma to gather details about the incident.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Sharma expressed his condolences. "I am deeply saddened to hear the sad news of casualties of citizens in the gas tanker fire incident on Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway.
