Truck carrying iron ore goes up in flames in Odisha’s Keonjhar

A fully loaded 16-wheeler truck carrying iron ore was completely destroyed in a sudden fire near Birsa Munda Square on National Highway-20 in Panikoili, Keonjhar district, in the early hours of Thursday. 

The blaze broke out without warning and quickly engulfed the heavy vehicle, leaving behind only a charred frame.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred just before dawn when the truck, which was transporting iron ore through the busy NH-20 corridor, suddenly caught fire while on the move. The driver reportedly stopped the vehicle immediately, but the flames spread rapidly, giving little time for any salvage attempt.

Several people passing through the highway said they saw thick smoke and heard cracking sounds as the tyres and cargo heated up. Some locals attempted to control the fire using buckets of water and sand, but the intensity of the blaze forced them to keep a safe distance.

Fire services from the nearest station were dispatched quickly and managed to prevent the flames from spreading to other vehicles on the road. By the time the blaze was brought under control, the truck was completely gutted.

Cause of Fire Not Yet Determined

Officials have yet to establish the exact cause of the incident. Investigators are considering multiple possibilities, including an electrical short circuit, brake overheating from prolonged travel, or a mechanical malfunction.

The truck was carrying a full load of iron ore, a non-flammable material, which led authorities to believe the fire originated from the engine or wiring.

No casualties were reported, and the driver’s whereabouts are yet to be confirmed. Police have cordoned off the site to examine the vehicle and collect evidence.

Highway Cargo Fires on the Rise

The Keonjhar fire comes barely a month after a similar incident in Mayurbhanj district, where a truck loaded with tomatoes was gutted on NH-18 near Mundhakata Square. In that case, the vehicle veered off balance, hit a central divider, and caught fire within minutes, destroying the cargo worth several lakhs.