Rourkela, June 16: Two truck drivers were burnt alive after the trailers they were driving collided head-on and caught fire on National Highway-10 in Odisha's Sundargarh district on Tuesday.
The tragic accident took place near Kaintara under the jurisdiction of Bhasma Police Station. According to preliminary reports, a trailer travelling from Jharsuguda towards Sundargarh reportedly lost control, crossed the road divider and crashed into another trailer coming from the opposite direction.
The collision was so severe that the diesel tank of one of the vehicles ruptured, triggering a massive fire. The flames spread rapidly and engulfed both trailers within minutes, reducing them to burnt wreckage.
On receiving information, fire service personnel and police teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. Although firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, both drivers remained trapped inside their vehicles and were charred to death at the scene.
The bodies of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition, making immediate identification difficult. Authorities said efforts are underway to establish the identities of the victims.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Further details are expected to emerge following the completion of the inquiry.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over road safety and the risks associated with heavy vehicle movement on the busy highway corridor connecting Jharsuguda and Sundargarh.
