A driver died after an oil tanker overturned and caught fire at Balipasi ghat on National Highway 149 in Odisha’s Angul district late Thursday night.
The incident occurred around 11.30 pm when the tanker lost control while negotiating a sharp bend. The vehicle overturned and immediately caught fire, triggering a massive blaze.
The flames spread to the roadside forest area, creating panic among commuters. The driver remained trapped inside the tanker and was burnt alive as the fire engulfed the vehicle.
Khamar police and Fire Services personnel from Pallahara rushed to the spot after receiving information. They began firefighting operations and worked to control the blaze.
The accident blocked the highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides. Traffic movement remained disrupted until authorities cleared the route.
