NEW DELHI — The death toll in Friday’s fire mishap involving several vehicles in India’s western state of Rajasthan rose to 9, confirmed local officials over the phone.
The identity of most of the deceased could not be done yet as they were burnt beyond recognition.
Nearly 40 people with burn injuries were undergoing treatment at a government hospital in the state capital Jaipur.
The death toll was feared to rise further as some of the injured persons were in serious condition.
The gory incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway when a tanker filled with inflammable substance collided with a heavy vehicle, resulting in a massive fire engulfing nearby vehicles, including trucks, a passenger bus, and private cars, among others.
According to eyewitnesses, repeated blasts could be heard amid the fire even as vehicles parked up to 300 meters from the site of the mishap were also burnt.
The fire was of such a magnitude that fire department officials faced a tough time in dousing it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences at the loss of human lives and announced a monetary compensation to the victims’ families.
XINHUA