A sudden fire broke out in a coal-laden truck parked at the parking lot of National Highway 19 at Duburdhi checkpost under Chaurangi out-post of Kulti police station on the West Bengal-Jharkhand border, causing intense sensation and panic in the area. Various types of accidents frequently occur on this busiest national highway, but a major loss of life was successfully averted in this incident.
It is known that like every day, large freight vehicles were parked in the parking lot in that area on this day as well. According to the information provided by the truck driver MD Siraj, he had started towards Ranaghat in West Bengal loaded with coal from the Nirsa area of Jharkhand. On the way, he had parked the vehicle in a local parking lot beside the national highway near the Duburdhi checkpost in Kulti. At that time, the truck suddenly caught fire and within moments it started spreading.
As soon as the fire was noticed, panic and scurrying began among the local residents and truck drivers. Upon receiving the news, the police of Chaurangi outpost rushed to the spot immediately. Initial attempts to douse the fire were made through the courage and joint efforts of the police and locals. At the same time, the fire department was informed. Within a short while, a fire engine arrived at the scene and after prolonged efforts by them, the fire was brought under control completely.
Although the cause of this fire is not initially clear, truck driver MD Siraj has claimed that the coal and all documents in his vehicle were completely valid. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in this sudden fire incident. However, the fire department and the local police administration are investigating the exact cause of the fire, whether it was a short circuit or some other sabotage. An investigation into the incident has begun.
