HT Correspondent
GOSSAIGAON, Feb 17: A major fire erupted after an oil tanker caught fire on National Highway 27 near Kachugaon under Gossaigaon subdivision on Tuesday, triggering panic and bringing traffic to a standstill along the busy highway stretch.
According to preliminary information, the tanker reportedly met with an accident before bursting into flames. Within minutes, the blaze intensified, engulfing the entire vehicle and sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from several kilometres away.
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The driver and his helper are feared to have been trapped inside the burning tanker, though there was no official confirmation regarding casualties at the time of filing this report. Repeated bursting sounds were heard from the vehicle, apparently due to the highly inflammable contents, making it impossible for locals to approach the site.
As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement along the highway was immediately suspended. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and goods carriers were stranded on both sides of the road, resulting in massive traffic congestion and long delays for commuters.
A large number of people gathered at the spot after news of the incident spread. Police personnel deployed at the site repeatedly appealed to onlookers to maintain a safe distance in view of the risk of explosion. Barricades were erected to cordon off the area.
Fire tenders initially rushed from Gossaigaon to the scene and began efforts to douse the flames. Additional firefighting units from Kokrajhar, Fakiragram and Dotma later joined the operation. Firefighters were seen battling intense heat and dense smoke to bring the situation under control.
Senior police officials and district administration authorities also reached the spot to supervise the firefighting and rescue operations. Ambulances were kept on standby as a precautionary measure.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Officials said a detailed inquiry would be initiated after the fire is fully extinguished and the area declared safe. The incident has once again underscored the risks involved in transporting highly flammable materials along busy national highways. Further details are awaited.
