A vehicle carrying flammable material overturned and caught fire on the Jaisalmer–Jamnagar highway in Jalore district of Rajasthan on Wednesday afternoon. In the tragic incident, the tanker driver was burnt alive, while the helper sustained injuries. The accident happened around 2 pm close to the Sinwara overbridge on National Highway 68. As per the information, the tanker, traveling from Barmer to Gujarat, lost balance while descending the overbridge.

Flames engulfed the tanker in no time

The driver has been identified as Sukhram Meghwal, 34, a resident of Gudamalani in Barmer district. Meghwal was trapped inside the vehicle and burnt alive. Helper Narsiram Meghwal, 26, somehow managed to jump out right before the fire intensified, he sustained minor injuries. He was immediately taken to the nearby hospital for treatment and is said to be stable.

Eyewitness account

An eyewitness Jeevaram Meghwal, who was working in a nearby field at the time of the incident, shared that he heard a loud noise, just like a tyre burst. And a few moments later the tanker overturned. “Thick flame was visible from a distance, and fuel had spread.” Another eyewitness Swetambar Meghwal said, “A highly combustible substance began leaking. Due to the slope of the overbridge, the fuel spread quickly along the road and caught fire.”

According to the rescue team the intensity of the blaze, coupled with thick smoke, made the rescue operation very difficult. Within 30 minutes fire brigade reached within 30 minutes, and the situation is under control. The intensity of the flame was so huge that additional support was called from Gudamalani.

To monitor the situation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar was present at the accident spot. Because of the accident, the significant disruption on the highway. The route connecting western Rajasthan to Gujarat has been significantly affected. Currently, police are investigating the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the accident happened due to mechanical failure, however the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.

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