An LPG tanker travelling from Kanpur to Varanasi caught fire after crashing into a divider near the Sihori Toll Plaza in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district. The collision reportedly caused a major gas leak before flames engulfed the tanker. CCTV footage of the accident later surfaced online, showing the speeding vehicle crashing moments before the massive blaze erupted. Police and fire department teams quickly reached the spot and launched rescue operations.
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Tanker Crash Triggers Massive Fire at UP Toll Plaza
The tanker driver, identified as Dharmendra Dwivedi from Mirzapur, died after becoming trapped inside the burning cabin. Five toll plaza employees also suffered severe burn injuries during the explosion and were rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj for treatment. Doctors immediately admitted the injured workers and started emergency medical care for their serious injuries.
One injured toll employee, Alok Singh, later died during treatment at the hospital. On Thursday, two more injured workers, Hiramani Singh from Raebareli and Krishnapal Maurya from Lalitpur, also succumbed to their burn injuries. Their deaths increased the total death toll in the incident to four. Two other injured toll employees remain hospitalised and continue receiving treatment.
Death Toll Rises to Four, Investigation Underway
Kokhraj Station House Officer Chandra Bhushan Maurya confirmed the latest deaths while speaking to media personnel. He said police have initiated further legal action following the tragic incident. Authorities also shifted the deceased victims’ bodies for postmortem examination. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence from the accident site to determine the exact cause behind the crash and fire.
The tragic accident raised fresh concerns regarding highway safety and transportation of hazardous materials across Uttar Pradesh. Officials stated that emergency teams acted quickly to control the flames and prevent further damage near the toll plaza. Police continue investigating whether mechanical failure, overspeeding, or negligence caused the deadly tanker crash. Authorities assured strict action if any safety violations emerge during the ongoing investigation process.
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