LPG Tanker Explodes At Uttar Pradesh Toll Booth, Four People Killed

Four people were killed and several others were injured after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker crashed into a toll plaza and exploded in a massive fireball in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district. The accident occurred at the Kokhraj (Sihori) Toll Plaza on the Prayagraj-Kanpur highway, where the tanker lost control before slamming into the toll booths. CCTV footage of the incident, which has since surfaced online, captured the moment of impact and the subsequent explosion, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and engulfing the area in flames.

According to police, the tanker was transporting nearly 18 tonnes of LPG when it first struck a road divider before crashing into the toll plaza. The collision triggered a powerful explosion that quickly spread to nearby vehicles and toll infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage. Officials said the intensity of the blaze was such that flames and smoke were visible from nearly two kilometres away. The incident caused panic among motorists and toll plaza staff, with emergency services alerted immediately after the explosion.

Firefighters and emergency response teams rushed to the scene and deployed multiple fire tenders to contain the blaze. Police cordoned off the affected stretch of the highway and diverted traffic to ensure public safety and facilitate rescue operations. Even after the flames were brought under control, fire personnel continued cooling operations to eliminate the possibility of another ignition due to the highly combustible nature of LPG. Authorities worked to secure the area while assessing the extent of the damage.

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Those injured in the explosion were shifted to the district hospital, while victims with severe burn injuries were referred to Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj for specialised treatment. Police said the tanker driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him. Investigators have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the crash, with technical experts expected to examine the tanker for possible mechanical failure, overspeeding, or other contributing factors.

The incident has renewed concerns over the transportation of hazardous materials on India's highways and the safety measures in place to prevent such disasters. The viral CCTV footage has sparked widespread discussion on social media about emergency preparedness, infrastructure safety, and regulatory compliance for vehicles carrying highly flammable substances. Officials are continuing to assess the damage to the toll plaza and surrounding property as the investigation progresses.

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