Bantwal: A lorry transporting coke caught fire at Sattikallu Amai near Mani on the BC Road-Bengaluru National Highway on Saturday night.
The fire reportedly broke out suddenly while the lorry was on the highway and intensified within a few minutes, engulfing the vehicle in flames. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained.
Fire and rescue personnel rush to spot
After receiving information about the incident, fire and rescue services personnel rushed to Sattikallu Amai and launched an operation to bring the blaze under control.
The fire had spread rapidly across the lorry, prompting the emergency personnel to work to extinguish the flames and prevent the situation from escalating further.
The circumstances under which the vehicle caught fire remain unclear. Authorities are expected to ascertain the cause as part of their assessment of the incident.
Police conduct inspection
Bantwal Rural police also reached the spot and conducted an inspection following the incident.
The fire caused a brief disruption to vehicular movement along the busy national highway. Traffic movement was affected while the emergency operation was under way and the situation was brought under control.
The incident comes on a stretch of the BC Road-Bengaluru National Highway that witnesses regular movement of heavy vehicles.
No further details regarding injuries or casualties were immediately available.
Cause of fire yet to be ascertained
The exact reason for the sudden outbreak of fire has not been established. Further assessment by the authorities will be required to determine how the blaze started and spread through the lorry.
The incident highlights the risks posed by vehicle fires on busy highway stretches, particularly when heavy vehicles are involved. The timely arrival of fire and rescue personnel helped contain the situation and restore normal traffic movement.