A 20-year-old from a farming family in Jaipur is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and courageous actions that saved the lives of 30 burn victims following a horrific LPG tanker explosion on Friday. The incident, which occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway, resulted in a massive fire after a truck collided with the tanker, engulfing more than 35 vehicles.
As flames raged, many burn victims fled the scene, seeking refuge at a nearby farmhouse. The family living in the temporary shelter was jolted awake by cries for help. “They were begging for clothes, water… anything to ease their pain,” Bhanwar Lal, the family head, told The Times of India. “Their skin was charred, and many could barely speak,” he added.
Although Kandoi Hospital, a private medical facility just 1.5 kilometers away, was nearby, access to it was blocked by an eight-foot-high boundary wall. The injured, weakened by severe burns, struggled to scale the wall, which seemed insurmountable given their condition.
At this crucial moment, 20-year-old Rakesh Saini, a member of the farming family, sprang into action. “I saw at least 30 people running into our fields from the flames,” Rakesh recalled. “They were screaming in pain, their clothes burned off. I didn’t think twice; I grabbed the ladder.” Rakesh quickly used the ladder to create a makeshift passage over the wall, allowing the victims to reach medical help.
Dr. Raman Kandoi, the owner of Kandoi Hospital, described the arrival of the victims as a desperate scene. “About 30 people with varying degrees of burns arrived in despair, begging for help. Their skin was burning, and they were writhing in pain,” Dr. Kandoi said. “Even as a surgeon, it was a horrifying scene to witness.” Dr. Kandoi and his wife, both doctors, immediately began administering first aid.
The hospital was well-prepared for such emergencies, with ambulances on standby due to its proximity to the highway. The medical team quickly used the ambulances to transport the victims to SMS Hospital, where further treatment could be provided. “At least 10 people had burns exceeding 60%. Time was critical, so we made multiple ambulance trips to transport everyone. It took three to four rounds to get all the patients to the hospital,” Dr. Kandoi explained.
The death toll from the accident has risen to 14, with more than 30 individuals still undergoing treatment. Dr. Sushil Bhati, Superintendent of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, reported that 27 patients are currently admitted, with seven on ventilator support. He also confirmed that five bodies have yet to be identified.
The explosion occurred in the Bhankrota area during the early hours of Friday, when a truck collided with the LPG tanker, sparking a fire that rapidly spread, affecting multiple vehicles. Many of the injured have been admitted to the burn unit at SMS Hospital, where medical staff continue to work tirelessly to save lives.
The incident has left the city in shock, with the heroic actions of Rakesh Saini bringing much-needed hope amidst the tragedy. His quick thinking and bravery in the face of disaster have undoubtedly saved numerous lives, earning him praise from all quarters.
Sources By Agencies
