A Manipur bound oil tanker caught fire and exploded after it reportedly went off some 200 feet below the road along NH-29 between Viswema and Jakhama village early Tuesday.
According to police sources, the incident reportedly took place between 4 to 5 a.m. Police on receiving information rushed to the spot but found no one except the burning tanker which apparently landed near a stream.
Police conducted thorough inquiry near the village vicinity but found no clue of the driver or occupant if the truck. It would have been impossible for the occupants to survive by looking at the accident, said the police.
Later, a case was registered at the Khuzama police station and investigation initiated but there was no breakthrough till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the oil spillage from the tanker into the stream has become a cause for concern for the neighbouring villages as it could seep into their paddy fields and fishery ponds.
It may be mentioned that another Manipur bound oil tanker was burnt down on the road side in the same area earlier. Initially, the driver and his helper alleged that some armed miscreants set the truck on fire at gun point.
However, subsequent police probe found out that there was foul play by the driver and his helper. It was learnt that they sold off the oil at Khatkhati in Nagaland-Assam border and intentionally set the vehicle on fire to hide their crime.
RELATED POSTS
View all
