Jharsuguda: A coal-laden truck met with a major accident on Saturday after losing balance on the Rampela Bridge under the jurisdiction of Banaharpali police station in Jharsuguda district. The truck crashed into the side wall of the bridge, following which a fire broke out in its engine and rapidly spread, engulfing the entire vehicle.
The truck was transporting coal to the Sahajbahal unit of JSW when the mishap occurred.
According to preliminary information, the driver managed to jump out of the vehicle in time and narrowly escaped the blaze. He sustained minor injuries and is reported to be out of danger.
Soon after the incident, personnel from Banaharpali police station and the fire department rushed to the spot. Firefighters worked to bring the flames under control, but by then the truck had been completely gutted.
The accident caused temporary disruption to traffic on the bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts. The Rampela Bridge spans the Ib River, a tributary of the Mahanadi river system, and is an important route for heavy commercial vehicles.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether mechanical failure or other factors led to the truck losing control.
