Road Mishap / Pickup Truck Blows up in Bhilwara, Claims Driver’s Life

Jaipur, Oct 19: Residents of Aguncha village in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district were jolted by a devastating blast on Monday, when a pickup truck packed with explosives suddenly erupted, killing its driver instantly and tearing through the surrounding area with destructive force.

The blast occurred around 11:30 am within the jurisdiction of Gulabpura police station. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was completely destroyed, while a nearby enclosure wall collapsed into rubble.

The driver’s body was later discovered beneath the debris. Police identified the deceased as 35‑year‑old Ram Avtar, a resident of Bundi.

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Witnesses described the explosion as deafening, with the sound carrying across a considerable distance. Panic gripped the village as residents rushed out of their homes to assess the situation.

The shockwave shattered glass panes in doors and windows, while cracks appeared in several houses. The pickup’s engine was hurled nearly 10 feet away by the force of the blast, scattering debris across a wide area.

Villagers quickly gathered at the site, attempting to extinguish the fire. The grim discovery of Ram Avtar’s body beneath the collapsed wall underscored the gravity of the incident.

Gulabpura Station House Officer Sanjay Gurjar confirmed that the explosion took place inside an enclosure belonging to Ramdev, son of Hiralal Khatik, a local resident. “A pickup truck loaded with explosives was parked inside the premises when it suddenly exploded,” he said.

Police teams from Aguncha outpost and Gulabpura station reached the spot soon after, cordoning off the area. A forensic team has been summoned to identify the explosive materials and determine the precise cause of the blast.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including why such explosives were being transported in the truck. Further details are awaited.

(IANS)