TV
Further details have surfaced after a truck driver succumbed to his injuries after the vehicle rammed into a toll gate on the Odisha-West Bengal border, close to Balasore district.
Analysis of CCTV footage of the incident, which happened in the early hours of November 24, showcased a container truck bursting into flames after a collision at the Lakshmannath Toll Gate under the jurisdiction of Jaleswar Police in Balasore, Odisha.
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Footage showed that the truck was speeding before ramming into one of the concrete pillars of the toll gate. The impact immediately halted the vehicle but also crushed it severely. It then caught fire almost instantly and the driver got tragically burnt alive.
The collision caused complete destruction of one of the booth cabins. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time of impact.
Personnel from adjoining booths were seen on CCTV rushing towards the truck with a fire extinguisher as soon as sparks of fire surfaced. Despite their efforts, flames and smoke completely engulfed the crashed vehicle.
The driver appeared to be trapped in the mangled remains of the front cabin and was perhaps unable to escape.
Reportedly, the vehicle was en route to Odisha from West Bengal. The initial probe also suggested that the accident may have occurred due to the driver experiencing a momentary lapse of concentration, possibly from falling asleep at the wheel.
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The police have initiated a thorough investigation and are examining the CCTV footage further to determine the exact cause and accountability for the crash.
