Chemical-laden tanker hits electric pole, catches fire

Bengaluru: Motorists travelling on National Highway 4 on the outskirts of Nelamangala had a narrow escape when a chemical-laden tanker hit an electric pole, rolled into a ditch and caught fire.

Nelamangala traffic police and the fire and emergency service personnel swung into action and rescued tanker driver and his assistant stuck in the cabin.

Thousands of litres of chemical was also saved by the quick action.

According to the police, the accident happened around 5.45 am. Tamil Nadu registered tanker was heading towards Mumbai via Bengaluru to deliver chemical used for plants.

The driver lost control of the vehicle when a speeding private bus driver tried to overtake the tanker from the rear on the narrow stretch, and hit the electric pole.

Traffic sub-inspector Krishna Kumar rushed to the spot and informed the fire and emergency services. The fire was put off within half-an-hour after the accident.

"It's a miracle that not much damage has been caused. The tanker did not leak and only the chemical spilt on the upper part of the tanker caught fire," said Kumar.

The traffic on the stretch was disrupted for sometime. Later the tanker was lifted with the help of a crane, the police said.

DH News Service