Cleaner dies as petrol tanker catches fire in Kadur

KADUR:A tanker cleaner was burnt alive after the petrol tanker he was travelling in turned turtle and caught fire on a state highway at Giriyapura village in Kadur taluk on Tuesday afternoon. Since the mishap occurred in a residential area, two houses, two commercial establishments, one petty shop and a bus stop have been completely gutted.

The tanker, which was proceeding towards Hosadurga from Hassan, fell into a drain while negotiating a curve.As soon as the tanker fell, it caught fire and the driver opened the door and jumped out. Yet, he sustained 80 per cent burns. The cleaner, who was sitting on the left side of the tanker,  could not come out and was charred to death. The driver has been shifted to Shivamogga for further treatment.The two houses belong to Gurushanthappa and Mrutyunjayappa, local residents.

A large contingent of KSRP personnel from Tarikere, Kadur, Birur, Ajjampura, Yagati and Chikkamagaluru, along with fire personnel, rushed to the spot to douse the fire. They had a tough time in controlling the mob which had thronged the spot on hearing the news.The villagers took this opportunity to complain to MLA Belly Prakash about the movement of heavy vehicles on this road. They requested that barricades be put up warning about narrow road and sharp curves on the strech.