BENGALURU: A truck carrying chemical solvents caught fire on NICE Road near the Kanakapura Road toll plaza on Sunday, October 18, triggering a major firefighting operation and causing kilometres-long traffic jams on both sides of the road.
The incident occurred around 12.30 pm when the truck, reportedly travelling from Chennai towards Mumbai, allegedly suffered a tyre burst, brushed against a car and overturned. Flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, prompting emergency services and traffic police to rush to the spot.
The fire continued for several hours, with firefighters facing difficulties in bringing it under control because of the chemical cargo. The incident disrupted traffic for commuters travelling towards and away from Bengaluru.
Chemical tanker catches fire after overturning
According to reports, the accident occurred near the Kanakapura Road toll plaza, around the Purva Parkridge apartment area. The truck was carrying multiple separate tanks containing chemical substances.
The driver reportedly said that a tyre burst caused him to lose control of the vehicle, after which it brushed against a car and overturned. The fire spread rapidly, raising concerns about the risk posed by the chemicals being transported.
The exact circumstances of the accident are being investigated. Officials were also working to establish the precise nature and quantity of the chemical cargo.
Firefighters struggle to control the blaze
Fire and Emergency Services personnel launched an extensive operation to contain the fire. Seven fire tenders were reportedly deployed as the blaze continued to burn.
Firefighters used foam and water to control the flames, but the presence of chemicals made the operation more complicated. Officials faced the challenge of preventing the fire from spreading to other tanks and managing the risks associated with the cargo.
According to reports, the tanker was carrying xylene, a chemical solvent commonly used in industrial applications, including paints and coatings. However, the exact contents and quantity involved were subject to confirmation by officials.
The prolonged firefighting operation required the emergency teams to secure the area and take precautions while working to extinguish the flames.
Traffic jams stretch for kilometres
The incident brought traffic movement on NICE Road to a near standstill for several hours. Vehicles travelling towards Bengaluru from the Anjanapura side were reportedly caught in a queue stretching approximately 5 km, while traffic heading out of the city was affected for around 3 km.
Talaghattapura traffic police reached the scene and worked to manage the congestion. Traffic was diverted through adjoining roads where possible to ease the movement of vehicles and allow emergency services to operate.
The disruption caused considerable inconvenience to commuters, particularly those travelling through the Kanakapura Road and Anjanapura stretches.
NICE Road is an important link for vehicles moving between Bengaluru’s southern and western corridors. An accident involving a large vehicle can therefore have a substantial impact on traffic, particularly when emergency operations require part of the carriageway to be restricted.
Investigation into the incident
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the truck overturning and catching fire. The driver was being questioned, while officials were also assessing the risks posed by the chemical cargo.
Reports indicated that no fatalities were recorded in the incident. However, the fire and prolonged traffic disruption highlighted the challenges involved in responding to accidents involving hazardous or flammable materials.
The incident also drew attention to the need for careful handling and transportation of industrial chemicals, particularly along busy urban road networks.
Authorities continued efforts to manage the scene, contain the fire and restore traffic movement. Further details about the cause of the accident and the chemical cargo are expected as the investigation progresses.