Gas tanker catches fire, explodes after collision with car in Mathura

A gas tanker collided with a car at the traffic check post here today and exploded into flames, causing the fire to spread to areas in the vicinity.

When asked to stop at the check post, the tanker driver lost control and crashed into a parked car.

Though there were no causalities, trees and plants in the area were destroyed. The incident also caused heavy traffic jam in the city.

"A car was standing here. The gas tanker smashed into the car and then it exploded. The tanker caught fire after the explosion. The surrounding trees and plants also caught fire," said the Chief Fire Officer of Mathura.

The fire brigade was immediately informed and five fire brigade vehicles reached the spot.

However, due to the gas leakage, not much could be done to stop the fire. As per the official, if any attempt to diffuse the fire was made, the gas would spread resulting in a massive explosion.

The highway was blocked for a couple of hours and people were left stranded as the tanker continued to burn.