Gas tanker truck crashes, explodes at Indian toll plaza killing five

A catastrophic accident occurred on June 26 in India's Uttar Pradesh state when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker truck lost control and exploded at a toll plaza. The incident, which took place in the Kaushambi district, claimed the lives of five people and left seven others injured, some with severe burns. Multiple vehicles were also destroyed in the ensuing inferno.

Security camera footage captured the harrowing moments leading up to the disaster. The truck was reportedly traveling at high speed from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle. Losing control, the truck veered sharply, collided with the central median, and overturned onto the toll booth. Shortly after the crash, the damaged tank began to leak gas, culminating in a massive explosion that engulfed the area in flames and thick smoke.

Among the fatalities was the truck driver, identified as Dharmendra Dwivedi, who was trapped in the wreckage. Toll workers were also among the victims. The fire spread rapidly, igniting vehicles in a nearby parking area, with at least 16 motorcycles and two cars sustaining damage. Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue operations and begin an investigation into the cause of the crash and explosion.

Local authorities are investigating the incident. The accident has drawn attention to road safety, particularly concerning the transport of hazardous materials. The toll plaza involved was the Sihori plaza in Kaushambi. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.