New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS): Two people died and one was hurt after the car they were travelling in rammed into a tanker parked by the roadside here, police said Friday.

The incident occurred around 12.30 a.m. Friday in south Delhi's Pul Prahladpur area.

The deceased were identified as Kuldeep, 30, a driver, and Pankaj, 26, a cable TV operator.

Jitender, 30, another driver, was injured and is being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences trauma centre.

"The occupants were in an inebriated state and headed towards Tughlaqabad village. Pankaj, who was at the wheel, lost control and the Scorpio hit a stationary tanker," said a police officer.

Following the impact, the car was badly damaged.

"Firemen took more than an hour in the rescue operation. Two occupants had already died by the time they were brought out," said the officer.

Cutters were used to remove the roof of the car and bring out the occupants.

The tanker driver fled with his vehicle after the accident as people started collecting at the spot.

"We are searching for the tanker driver because it is illegal to park a vehicle by the roadside," added the officer.