LPG Tanker Crash Triggers Massive Explosion in Kaushambi. (Image: Internet)
Kaushambi: A devastating LPG tanker fire near the Sirohi Toll Plaza in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district has claimed at least four lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred when a moving LPG tanker reportedly lost control, crashed into a divider, and triggered a catastrophic gas leak.
According to officials, the leak quickly escalated into a massive fire, which engulfed the tanker and nearby toll infrastructure within seconds.
CCTV footage from June 26 shows the tanker approaching the toll plaza before crashing into the central divider. Moments later, white gas vapours can be seen escaping rapidly from the vehicle, followed by a sudden explosion.
The fire spread instantly, engulfing toll booths, nearby vehicles, and surrounding structures. Authorities said the rapid spread left little time for evacuation or response.
The explosion destroyed at least 16 motorcycles and two cars parked near the toll plaza. Thick plumes of smoke and intense flames were visible from a considerable distance, causing panic among commuters and staff present at the site.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as vehicles lined up at the toll plaza, with several people abandoning their vehicles and fleeing the area to escape the advancing fire.
The tanker driver, identified as Dharmendra Dwivedi from Mirzapur district, died on the spot after becoming trapped in the burning vehicle.
Five toll plaza employees sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj. Later, two of them—identified as Hiramani Singh and Krishnapal Maurya—succumbed to injuries, raising the death toll to four.
Two other injured workers remain under medical care.
Police have taken custody of the bodies for postmortem examination and launched an investigation into the cause of the crash and subsequent explosion. Preliminary findings suggest the tanker was travelling at high speed before hitting the divider and overturning.
Authorities are also examining safety protocols at toll plazas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
