Year Ender 2024: From Kerala Landslides to Jaipur Tanker Explosion, Devastating Accidents That Shook India

India faced an extraordinarily challenging year in 2024, marked by devastating accidents, gas tanker explosions, natural disasters, and numerous industrial mishaps. These incidents resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage across the country. From horrific road accidents to deadly industrial disasters and landslides, these events have raised serious concerns about the country's preparedness for such disasters.

These tragedies have impacted families, communities, and entire regions, bringing attention to deep-rooted issues in safety protocols and crisis management. They highlight the urgent need for stronger security measures, quicker responses, and better systems to prevent such disasters in the future.

As the year comes to a close, let's look back at some of the key tragedies that shook India in 2024, along with the challenges faced and the resilience shown by the people.

Here are the major accidents and disasters that resulted in the loss of many lives:

1. Kerala Landslide
On July 30, Kerala witnessed one of its deadliest landslides, claiming over 300 lives and destroying homes and buildings. The landslides in Wayanad's Mundakkai and Choorlamala areas nearly wiped out both regions. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan later announced a compensation of 6 lakh rupees for the families of the victims.

2. Jaipur Gas Tanker Accident
On December 20, a LPG tanker collided with a truck, creating a massive fireball that engulfed a part of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, killing 13 people and damaging 37 vehicles. The accident occurred in the Bhankrota area around 5:30 AM, and the fire spread rapidly due to a gas leak, preventing people in nearby vehicles from escaping.

3. Hathras Stampede
On July 2, a stampede at a satsang of spiritual guru Narayan Sakar Hari "Bhole Baba" in Fulari/Fularai village, Hathras, claimed the lives of 121 devotees. The victims died from suffocation, with bodies piling on top of each other. The authorities filed a 3,200-page charge sheet in October, with several organizers arrested.

4. Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire
On May 25, a horrific fire broke out at the TRP Gaming Zone in Rajkot, killing 27 people, including children. The main accused, who was responsible for the fire, was arrested by the local crime branch and police. The gaming zone was operating without a fire safety clearance from the RMC's fire department.

5. Hathras Bus Accident
On September 6, a road accident in Hathras district claimed the lives of at least 17 people when a roadways bus collided with a van. The accident occurred near the village of Kanwarpur, about 10 kilometers from the district headquarters, while the passengers were traveling from Hathras to Agra.

6. Jhansi Hospital Fire
On November 15, a fire broke out at the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, killing 17 infants. The fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the NICU due to the oxygen-rich environment, leading to the tragic loss of newborn lives.

7. Mumbai Boat Capsize
On December 18, a boat capsized off the coast of Mumbai, killing at least 15 people. The boat, carrying 85 passengers and five crew members, was heading to Elephanta Island when the accident occurred near Uran, Karanja.

These incidents have underscored the importance of improving safety systems and crisis management protocols across India.