Two Delhi Men Found Dead in Methanol Tanker Cabin on Delhi-Lucknow Highway
Police discovered a grim scene on the Delhi-Lucknow National highway near Bareilly. A driver and a cleaner from Delhi were found dead inside the cabin of a methanol-laden tanker. The incident occurred close to the Faridpur toll plaza, sparking an immediate investigation into suspected methanol poisoning.
Toll Plaza Staff Alert Authorities
Toll plaza employees first noticed something unusual. The tanker remained parked at the same spot for an extended period. Their growing suspicion prompted them to contact the police. Officers from the Faridpur police station quickly responded to the alert.
Faridpur SHO Radheshyam provided initial details. The tanker belongs to a company based in Delhi. It was traveling from Assam to Rudrapur in Uttarakhand when the tragedy unfolded.
Police Discover Unconscious Men
Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya described the moment police opened the cabin. "Our team found driver Surendra Kumar, aged 45, and cleaner Pushpendra Kumar, aged 40, lying unconscious inside," Arya stated. The two men were rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors examined them and declared both dead on arrival.
Methanol Bottles Found at Scene
During a preliminary inspection, police made a critical discovery. They recovered several bottles from beneath the cabin seat. These containers emitted a strong odor of methanol. The presence of the chemical immediately raised red flags.
SSP Anurag Arya commented on the possible cause. "It appears the driver and cleaner may have consumed methanol, likely in large quantities. We are still determining whether this was accidental or intentional," he explained. The circumstances remain unclear at this early stage.
Special Operations Group Joins Probe
Authorities called in the Special Operations Group (SOG) to assist with the investigation. The SOG team arrived at the location promptly. Police secured the tanker and notified the vehicle's owner about the incident.
Investigators are now focusing on key questions. They want to understand how the methanol bottles entered the cabin. Police are checking if the methanol was siphoned from the tanker's load or brought separately by the occupants.
An officer involved in the case emphasized the open nature of the inquiry. "At this stage, we cannot rule out negligence or any other angle," the officer said. Every possibility is being examined thoroughly.
Autopsy and Forensic Analysis Underway
The bodies of the two men have been sent for postmortem examination. Medical professionals will conduct a detailed autopsy. Police have preserved viscera samples for chemical analysis.
Officials stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after forensic reports are received. These scientific tests are crucial for determining whether methanol poisoning directly led to the fatalities.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the events that led to this tragic discovery on a busy national highway.
