Report & Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network-(NM)
Puttur, May 18: In a tragic accident, the gas tanker fell in the gorge at midnight of Thursday here in Sathikal, around 10km away from Uppinangady, killing the driver on the spot.
The deceased is identified as Rafeeq Basha (32) of Namakal of Tamil Nadu.
The gas-tanker lost its control and fell out of the road in the gorge. Reportedly, the driver was stuck in his seat and could not come out of it.
The gas-tanker had unloaded the gas in Bangalore and it was speeding towards MRPL to refill the gas. Even though the gas was empty, it is learnt that 20% of gas would be stored in the tanker. This might have caused spark in the tanker.
Eventually the fire spread in the tanker and claimed the life of the driver. As a result of the fire, all 16 tyres were burnt. The fire brigade arrived immediately on the spot but could not save the driver.
Till 2.30 early morning, the fire personnel worked out in extinguishing fire.
The villagers suspect that over-speeding must have been the reason for the accident. The body was later taken to Puttur hospital for postmoterm.
Puttur ACP Anucheth arrived on the spot. The case has been registered.