12 oil tankers of train gutted in Assam blast

Each tanker was carrying 70,000 litres of high speed diesel valued at Rs 25 lakh each, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd sources said. The fire in the tankers broke out when the train was coming from the Numaligarh refinery to Panki in UP at about 9:30 pm on Monday. “ULFA militants caused the sabotage. Investigations have begun and a clear picture will emerge soon,” sources said.

The fire was contained after 12 hours at 9:30 am on Monday, Northeast Frontier railway sources said. The guard and driver of the freight train carrying 51 tankers were safe, officials said.  NF railway officials said they have been able to save 31 tankers, two safety tankers and the brake van. Sixteen tankers have been affected and efforts are on to clear the track.