Major Accident Averted as Truck Explodes on NH44, 15 People Jump to Safety

A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Haryana's Panipat district when a truck suddenly caught fire while traveling on National Highway-44. The incident occurred around 8:45 PM near the toll plaza on the Delhi-Chandigarh lane, leading to multiple explosions as the truck's CNG tanks detonated in succession.

According to reports, 15 people from five families were traveling in the truck at the time of the incident. All passengers managed to jump from the moving vehicle and save their lives, though the truck itself was completely destroyed in the fire. 

Quick Action by Toll Staff

The incident was first noticed by toll plaza workers who spotted smoke rising from the truck as it approached the toll booth. Acting swiftly, they helped clear barricades and directed the truck to pull over to one side of the highway. 

The passengers, alerted to the danger, immediately jumped from the truck to safety. Within moments, the fire spread to clothing and other belongings loaded in the vehicle, causing the blaze to intensify rapidly. 

Multiple Explosions Caused Panic

The situation became more dangerous when the fire reached the CNG cylinders installed in the truck, causing them to explode. The explosions sent truck parts flying in all directions, creating panic among travelers and leading to a complete halt of traffic on the busy highway. 

"The explosions were so powerful that pieces of the truck were flung far away," an eyewitness reported. 

Firefighting Efforts

Toll plaza staff attempted to control the blaze using the fire safety equipment available at the location, but were unable to contain the rapidly spreading fire. Fire brigade teams were immediately called to the scene to handle the situation.

Passengers Were Brick Kiln Workers 

The 15 people traveling in the truck were brick kiln workers who were on their way from Punjab to Shamli in Uttar Pradesh. Despite losing their belongings in the fire, all passengers escaped without serious injuries, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.