A container truck transporting electronic goods was engulfed in flames on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district late Tuesday night, resulting in the destruction of items valued at approximately Rs 9 crore, according to fire officials. The incident occurred near Vasai at around 9:30 pm, causing significant traffic congestion on the busy route for several hours.
No Injuries Reported as Crew Escapes Safely
Officials from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) fire services confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. The truck driver and cleaner managed to escape unharmed after the blaze started, ensuring their safety. The truck was en route to Ahmedabad when the fire broke out.
Upon receiving the alert, VVMC firefighters promptly arrived at the scene and worked strenuously to extinguish the flames. Their efforts successfully prevented the fire from spreading further along the highway, which could have led to more extensive damage or casualties.
Estimated Losses and Investigation Underway
The fire completely gutted the electronic goods on board, with losses estimated at Rs 9 crore, a fire official stated. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the blaze. The charred vehicle was later removed from the roadway, allowing normal traffic flow to be restored after more than two hours of disruption.
Traffic Disruption on Major Highway
The incident caused significant traffic congestion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, a critical corridor for freight and passenger movement. Vehicles were backed up for a couple of hours as emergency crews worked to control the fire and clear the wreckage. The highway is now fully operational, with no lingering effects on traffic.
Fire officials noted that the quick response of the VVMC team was instrumental in containing the fire and preventing further damage. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing, with no preliminary findings released yet.
