Balasore: The driver of a container truck was charred to death after the vehicle crashed into a cabin and caught fire on National Highway 60 near Laxmannath Toll Plaza under Jaleswar police limits in Balasore district late on Saturday.
The accident occurred around 2:30 am when the truck driver, travelling from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, lost control of the vehicle after colliding with the toll booth. The truck burst into flames almost immediately, ensnaring the driver inside.
Upon receiving the alert, Fire Service personnel arrived at the scene and succeeded in extinguishing the fire after a strenuous hour-long effort. Regrettably, the driver could not be saved.
It is suspected that the accident occurred because the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
The highway experienced a significant traffic jam due to the accident, as the burnt remnants of the truck obstructed the roadway. Normal traffic flow was resumed around 5 am after the charred truck was cleared away using a crane, according to sources.
