Oil tanker fire shuts down NH-27 in Assam's Kokrajhar, traffic paralysed

A major fire broke out on National Highway 27 near Raikhunbari in Kachugaon, under Assam’s Kokrajhar district, after an oil tanker carrying petroleum products crashed and overturned on February 17.

 

The tanker reportedly rammed into the railing of a bridge before toppling onto the highway. The impact caused a fuel spill that ignited immediately, triggering a large blaze that spread quickly across the carriageway.

 

Thick black smoke engulfed the area, severely reducing visibility and forcing authorities to halt traffic on both sides of the highway. Long queues of vehicles were seen stretching several kilometres, disrupting movement along the crucial NH-27 corridor that connects several northeastern states.

 

At least four fire tenders from nearby stations were pressed into service. Firefighters were battling the flames for several hours, though officials said the blaze had not been fully contained at the time of filing this report.

 

Unconfirmed reports suggested that the driver and the helper were inside the vehicle when the accident occurred. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on casualties or injuries.

 

Police personnel cordoned off the stretch to prevent further mishaps and diverted vehicles to alternative routes. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Further details are awaited as firefighting and rescue operations continue.