Tanker Driver Burnt Alive in Jalore Chemical Fire; Cousin Injured
A horrific accident on the Jaisalmer–Jamnagar National Highway (NH-68) in Rajasthan's Jalore district claimed the life of a tanker driver on Wednesday. The victim, identified as Sukhram Meghwal (34) from Gudamalani in Barmer district, was tragically burnt alive after his chemical-laden tanker overturned and erupted in flames near the Sinwada overbridge.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 2 pm when the tanker, en route from Barmer to Gujarat, suddenly lost control and overturned. The vehicle was carrying a highly flammable chemical, which immediately spilled onto the road and ignited, engulfing the entire tanker in a fierce blaze.
Sukhram Meghwal was trapped inside the cabin and could not escape, leading to his tragic death. His cousin, Narsiram Meghwal (26), who was accompanying him, managed to jump out of the vehicle just in time. He sustained injuries and was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Eyewitness Account and Rapid Fire Spread
An eyewitness working in a nearby field described hearing a loud noise similar to a tyre burst. "I saw the tanker suddenly lose balance and overturn towards the service road. The rear portion came to rest on the divider. Soon after, the chemical started leaking and caught fire," he recounted.
Due to the slope of the overbridge, the flammable liquid flowed downhill, causing the fire to spread rapidly. The flames extended up to 200 meters along the road, creating a scene of chaos and panic among passing motorists. Many drivers stopped their vehicles and moved to a safe distance to avoid the intense heat and danger.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Upon receiving the alert, police and administrative officials from Sanchore rushed to the spot. They immediately diverted traffic to prevent further accidents and ensure public safety. A fire tender was dispatched to the scene, and it took approximately one hour to bring the raging fire under control.
SDM Pramod Kumar stated that the exact type of inflammable chemical in the tanker has not yet been identified. Police also noted that another driver traveling with the victims had reportedly gotten off earlier at Gudamalani, avoiding the catastrophe.
A large crowd gathered at the site following the incident, underscoring the shock and concern within the local community. The investigation into the cause of the accident and the identification of the chemical is ongoing, with authorities working to determine all contributing factors.
