Updated

Bantwal: The driver of a capsule gas tanker died after he lost control over the vehicle and rammed it into a divider resulting in toppling of the vehicle. The incident took place at a turn in Thumbay near BA College on Sunday afternoon, February 14.

The vehicle was plying towards Bengaluru. The deceased is identified as Jayaprakash N (27), a resident of Naduvallooru, Gangavalli in Selum, Tamil Nadu.

As the news of the gas tanker topple went on air, firefighters from Bantwal, Mangaluru and Puttur rushed to the spot and undertook necessary preventive measures. Fortunately, as the gas from the capsule tanker did not leak, a major tragedy was averted. Although, diesel from the tanker leaked, the firefighters ensured that no casualty occurred.

After traffic came to a standstill, it was eased by facilitating two-way traffic from Nettarakere junction to Thumbay hospital.

Though the police called up specialists from MRPL to arrive at the spot with necessary gas-leak control equipment, the officials reached the spot after about two-and-a-half-hours.

As per the rule, a capsule tanker is supposed to employ two drivers and a cleaner. However, there was only one driver in the tanker. Police Inspector Rakshith said that a case will be filed against the company in this regard.

The locals have blamed the unscientific construction of the road responsible for the accident and have blamed the National Highway authorities for all the mishaps taking place here.

It has alsoe been reported that just about half-an-hour prior to the tanker accident, two riders on a motorcycle had injured themselves at the same spot. It is said that sand that has spilled over time on either sides of the road from lorries transporting it has been causing problems to vehicles. 

Bantwal traffic police have registered a case.

Earlier report

Bantwal: A tanker which went out of control of its driver, turned turtle at Thumbay near BA College on February 14. The driver of the tanker Jayaprakash N suffered severe injuries in the mishap and has been shifted to a private hospital for treatment.

The tanker which was heading from Mangaluru to Bengaluru lost control of the driver and toppled near BA college. Fortunately there was no leakage of gas from the tanker. Due to mishap traffic was paralized for few hours.

Local police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and swung into action.