Chemical Tanker Overturns and Ignites Massive Blaze on Rajasthan Highway
A tanker carrying hazardous chemicals overturned and erupted into a fierce fire on the Nagaur–Ladnun stretch of National Highway-458 in Rajasthan on Wednesday night, according to police reports. The incident triggered a substantial blaze that illuminated the night sky, with flames visible from a distance of nearly two kilometers.
Driver Manages to Escape Unharmed
Superintendent of police Mridul Kachawa confirmed that the driver successfully jumped out of the vehicle in time, avoiding any loss of life. The tanker was transporting approximately 30 tonnes of chemical substances from Gandhidham in Gujarat to Sonipat in Haryana when the accident occurred near the Kunjal Mata Temple around 10 pm.
Highway Temporarily Closed; Emergency Response Deployed
Authorities promptly closed the highway from both directions to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations. Four fire engines were dispatched to the scene to combat the intense flames, which took several hours to bring under control. Additionally, six ambulances were stationed at the location as a precautionary measure, although no injuries were reported.
The Surpaliya police station personnel and municipal fire brigade teams worked tirelessly through the night to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, the tanker was completely gutted in the blaze, leaving behind a scene of significant damage.
Traffic Disruption and Safety Measures
The incident caused a major traffic disruption, with a long queue of vehicles forming on both sides of the highway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle at a turn, leading to the tanker overturning and subsequently catching fire. Police are continuing their inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident.
This event highlights the ongoing risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials on busy national highways. It also underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and rapid emergency response mechanisms to prevent such incidents from escalating into tragedies.
