Gas tanker explodes as it plunges into gorge, two killed

Two men driving a gas tanker met a tragic end when their vehicle plunged into a gorge and burst into flames in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district on Sunday, according to police reports.

The dreadful incident unfolded at approximately 3:30 PM on the Bhopal-Jabalpur Highway, close to Sultanpur police station, nearly 40 KM away from the district's central hub, an official confirmed.

How did it occur?

Initial investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the capsule tanker, which was carrying LPG, leading to its fatal descent into the gorge, shared Rajat Sarathe, in-charge of Sultanpur police station.

As the tanker tumbled, it ignited into flames, engulfing nearby huts and claiming the lives of around four to five cattle, Sarathe added.

Tragically, both the driver and the cleaner onboard the tanker were unable to escape the inferno and perished in the blaze. Their identities remain unknown at this time, stated the official.

Firefighters from nearby stations rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames, the official confirmed.

In response to the incident, authorities have initiated an investigation, registering a case to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragic accident.