Jaipur News: A tragic fire incident that occurred on December 20 along the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway has resulted in the closure of the infamous DPS cut, the site of the devastating accident. The blaze claimed the lives of 27 individuals, with many sustaining severe burn injuries. This tragic event is firmly imprinted in the memories of those affected, as the remnants of charred vehicles and trees serve as stark reminders of the tragedy.

The multi-vehicle accident left a majority of the victims with burns covering 50-55% of their bodies. Four individuals lost their lives immediately, ensnared by the flames, while others were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals with critical conditions. As the fire expanded uncontrollably, numerous individuals found themselves trapped within their vehicles, unable to escape. The aftermath presents a grim picture, with burnt vehicles remaining in the area, which evokes a sense of dread and sorrow among local residents who have advocated for the removal of these distressing remnants.

This tragic incident resulted in eight additional fatalities on the same day at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, with another death recorded at Jaipuria Hospital. DNA testing was necessary to identify five victims, which included former IAS officer Karni Singh, whose life was cut short in this disaster. In the days that followed, 20 more individuals succumbed to their injuries, marking this incident as one of the deadliest accidents in recent history.

The survivors and witnesses remain deeply affected by the horrific scenes from that day. Rajendra Singh Rathod, a local worker, vividly recounts the experience. “The vision of that fire, the cries for help, the horror—it continues to haunt me even now. I cannot erase the moment I contacted emergency services, my hands shaking with fear,” he expressed. As one of the first responders, Rathod continues to grapple with the trauma of the incident. “Even now, as I recount the events, chills run down my spine,” he remarked, reflecting on the frantic moments when he witnessed individuals trapped in burning vehicles.

The fire was ignited by a vehicle collision at the DPS cut, a well-known hazardous intersection on the highway. The resulting blaze spread rapidly, engulfing several vehicles in its path. The intensity of the heat left victims with little chance to escape, with many perishing in their vehicles as the flames consumed them. The vehicles were rendered so unrecognizable, they appeared as mere twisted metal frames.

The closure of the DPS cut, previously recognized as a perilous point on the highway, has elicited mixed responses from the public. While numerous residents have embraced this measure as a vital step to avert future accidents, others contend that additional efforts are required to enhance overall road safety throughout the city.

The DPS cut had long been considered an accident-prone area, but authorities failed to act swiftly enough to mitigate the risks.

Local residents have long been calling for measures to improve safety at the cut, including better signage, barriers, and improved lighting. Despite numerous requests, the area remained a hotspot for accidents. “We all knew the dangers of that stretch. It was an accident waiting to happen,” said one local resident. “It’s heartbreaking that it took a tragedy of this magnitude for authorities to take action. But this should not be another case of negligence. The victims’ families deserve justice, and we as a community deserve safer roads.”

The incident has raised critical questions about the safety of the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway, particularly at junctions like the DPS cut. In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for a complete overhaul of road safety measures. This includes the installation of advanced traffic control systems, increased patrols, and better emergency response protocols, especially in high-risk areas.

The local administration has expressed its deep regret over the loss of life and assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent future accidents. “We are deeply saddened by the lives lost in this terrible incident. The closure of the DPS cut is only the first step. We will be conducting a thorough review of all accident-prone areas along this highway and will take immediate action to address the safety concerns,” said a senior official from the Jaipur Police Department.

However, for the families of those who lost their loved ones, the pain of the tragedy is far from over. Many are still mourning the loss of their family members and continue to cope with the emotional scars left behind. The families have called for swift justice and proper compensation, and are demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the role of authorities in preventing such disasters.

The incident also highlights the vulnerability of commuters on India’s highways. Despite ongoing efforts to improve road safety, accidents continue to claim lives, often due to poorly designed roads, neglected junctions, and inadequate safety measures. The DPS cut disaster is a reminder that there is still much to be done to ensure the safety of every person on the road.

As the city comes to terms with the aftermath of the fire, the hope is that this tragedy will spark long-lasting change. There is a growing demand for stricter road safety laws, better enforcement, and greater accountability from the authorities. The families of the victims and the survivors of the accident are committed to ensuring that such an event never happens again.

For the people of Jaipur and the families affected by the DPS cut tragedy, the fight for justice is ongoing. They are determined to heal from the pain, honor the memory of their loved ones, and make sure that the lives lost were not in vain. As authorities work to improve road safety, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for constant vigilance and action to protect the lives of commuters.