Thaindian News

Dhule (Maharashtra), Sep 6 (IANS) At least four people were killed and 15 others were injured when a gas tanker exploded before plunging into a river near here in Maharashtra, authorities said Tuesday.

The accident happened Monday night near Pimpalner, 85 km from here.

Relief work is in full swing, said Dhule District Collector Prakash Mahajan.

“Efforts are under way to shift metal cutters and retrieve the tanker from the river,” he told reporters.

The tanker was carrying a consignment of liquefied petroleum gas from Gujarat to Nashik when it hit an electric pole on the bridge over Panzara river, skidded and burst into flames. It later plunged into the river.

The flames engulfed several other vehicles, including a truck, a private car and two autorickshaws in the vicinity.

According to local police, since several people are reportedly missing and believed to have been washed away in the river water, the deaths could go up.

Though there is no official confirmation, the burning tanker has reportedly damaged the river bridge.

The blaze has been doused and efforts are on to ascertain the identity of the victims and trace out others who may have been trapped under the wreckage, said police.

Villagers who provided the first relief stoned the authorities’ vehicles for over an hour’s delay in reaching the scene of the accident.