Man, son die as tanker explodes

Tribune News Service
Karnal, March 22

A 40-year-old man and his son died after a fuel waste tanker exploded in Kutana village, about 35 km from here, while they were welding the tanker on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Surjeet and his son Sonu (20), residents of Kutana village. Surjeet was the only breadearner of the family. Sonu was a student, who came to the shop to help his father as the labourer was on leave.

Two other persons, identified as Ajay of Balrangdan village and Sarwan of Rajepur village, were injured in the incident. They have been admitted to hospital in Panipat. Their condition is said to be stable.

The incident took place around 1 pm. Due to the high intensity of the explosion, a part of the tanker blew 25 ft away.

Fire broke out as a result of the explosion, engulfing Surjeet’s shop, the tanker and other vehicles (including a mini-crane and a motorcycle) parked nearby in fire. Five fire tenders were pressed into service, which took about two hours to douse the flames.

Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria, Assandh DSP Dalbir Singh and Gharaunda DSP Ramdutt, along with forensic experts, inspected the crime scene. “The preliminary investigation has suggested there was some fuel waste in the tanker at the time of welding. The tanker owner and the driver had lied to Surjeet that the tanker was clean,” the DSP said.

The SP said the police were investigating the matter and action would be taken if anyone was found guilty.

Truck driver charred to death

Karnal: A 25-year-old driver was charred to death when a fire broke out after his truck overturned near Samora village on the Karnal-Indri state highway in the wee hours on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Amarnath, a resident of Panipat.