Chemical Tanker Fire Causes Panic on Rajasthan Highway

A chemical tanker overturned and ignited on National Highway 458 in Rajasthan, causing panic among motorists. The intense fire was visible from kilometers away, prompting immediate highway closures and a significant emergency response. Fortunately, the driver escaped just in time, and no other vehicles were involved, preventing a larger disaster. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before restoring traffic flow. This incident highlights the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy highways.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 12:37 IST

Major Incident on National Highway 458

Jaipur, March 5: Late Wednesday night, a chemical tanker overturned and ignited on the Nagaur-Ladnun section of National Highway 458 in Rajasthan, triggering widespread panic. The fire was so fierce that flames and thick smoke could be seen from nearly two kilometers away.

In response, authorities promptly closed the highway in both directions to avert further incidents. The accident occurred close to the Kunjal Mata Temple.

As per police reports, the tanker lost control while navigating a turn, leading to its overturning and subsequent explosion into flames.

The driver, Lukman Khan from Barmer district, narrowly escaped by breaking the cabin glass and leaping out just before the fire spread.

Station House Officer Suman Chaudhary from Surpalia police station noted that the fire erupted immediately after the tanker overturned, causing chaos on the highway. Vehicles from both directions were halted, resulting in long traffic queues as a safety measure.

Upon receiving alerts about the incident, fire engines from the Nagaur Municipal Council and surrounding areas rushed to the scene. A total of four fire tenders were deployed to combat the flames.

Given the chemical cargo and the fire's intensity, it took nearly two hours of relentless firefighting to bring the blaze under control. Six ambulances were also on standby at the location as a precaution.

Authorities revealed that the tanker was transporting approximately 30 tonnes of Amike chemical from Gandhidham in Gujarat to Sonipat in Haryana.

The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid a trailer that unexpectedly appeared during an overtaking maneuver. Fortunately, no other vehicles were nearby at the time, averting a potential disaster.

The tanker was completely consumed by the fire, leaving only debris behind. The towering flames and thick smoke attracted attention from nearby villages. Once the fire was extinguished and the situation stabilized, traffic on the highway was gradually resumed.