Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Dec 3: A tanker carrying some chemical, which was on its way form Jammu to Pathankot caught fire immediately after it turned turtle at Chan Arorian late tonight.
Panic gripped the area after the incident and the residents of surrounding villages came to streets in protest. They shouted slogans and did not allow the fire brigade to reach the spot of the accident and accused the authorities of delaying fire fighting operation.
The irate mob also pelted stones on police and fire brigade and did not allow it to reach the accident site. The traffic on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway was also suspended and there was a huge jam on the Highway.
Three fire tenders two from Kathua and one from Hiranagar rushed to spot and after the hard persuasion, the authorities succeeded in motivating the mob to allow them to proceed towards the accident site. While one fire tender each from Kathua and Hiranagar managed to reach the spot of accident, another was trapped in traffic jam.
There is no report of any casualty. The police authorities manning the fire fighting operation said that it is not known whether the driver and other inmates of the tanker had fled or were trapped inside as blaze was touching sky and no one could dare to go near the tanker.
Reports said that the tanker which was carrying some chemical was on its way from Jammu to Pathankote and in its bid to save the motorcyclist which came in front of the tanker suddenly, the driver of the vehicle took a sharp turn, with the result the tanker turned turtle and caught fire.
Soon after the incident the police officers from Kathua rushed to the spot to control the fire and restore order.
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