A major fire completely destroyed a heavy goods vehicle on a key mountain pass in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The incident involved a truck that was transporting a consignment of stones from Hyderabad to Kerala.
Blaze Erupts on Busy Ghat Section
The fire broke out on the Thoppur Ghat Road, a crucial and often challenging stretch, near the Anjaneyar temple in Dharmapuri district. According to officials from the Thoppur police station, the driver, identified as 38-year-old M Silambarasan, noticed smoke emanating from the vehicle.
The driver promptly pulled the truck over to the side of the road after it developed a technical fault in the gear box. However, shortly after coming to a halt, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Alert passersby immediately notified the local fire department and police authorities.
Rapid Spread Hinders Rescue Efforts
Despite the swift alert, the fire spread with alarming speed. By the time firefighting teams reached the scene, the blaze had already taken hold of the entire truck. Firefighters and police personnel worked to control the situation, but their efforts could not save the vehicle.
The truck was completely gutted in the incident, reducing its cargo of stones and structure to ashes. The intense fire and subsequent emergency response operation severely impacted movement on the road.
Traffic Snarl and Ongoing Investigation
The aftermath of the fire led to a major traffic disruption lasting for over two hours on the busy stretch. Vehicles were stranded as emergency services worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the area was safe.
Police have confirmed that a case has been registered regarding the incident. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the mechanical fault that led to the fire. Preliminary reports suggest the gear box failure as the primary trigger.
Authorities are examining all aspects to prevent similar occurrences on the ghat road, which is a vital transport link. No injuries were reported in the incident, as the driver evacuated safely when the smoke first appeared.
