Truck carrying tomatoes catches fire on NH-18 in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

A major fire broke out early Wednesday morning on National Highway-18 in Mayurbhanj district when a truck loaded with tomatoes caught fire en route from Baripada to Ranchi.

According to sources, the incident occurred near Mundhakata Square under the Jharpokharia police limits. The truck, laden with several quintals of fresh tomatoes, veered off balance and crashed into a central road divider, said eyewitnesses.

Shortly after the collision, the vehicle burst into flames, consuming both the truck and its entire cargo within minutes. The driver and the helper reportedly escaped the vehicle before the fire spread, avoiding injury, but fled the scene before authorities arrived.

Eyewitnesses described the fire as intense and fast-spreading, with thick plumes of smoke visible from a distance. Reports also added that several locals attempted to douse the flames using water and sand before the fire brigade reached the spot, but the efforts were in vain.

Fire Services Bring Blaze Under Control, But Loss Is Total

A team from the local fire services arrived promptly and managed to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles or roadside structures. However, by the time the flames were extinguished, the truck was completely reduced to a burnt shell.

The total value of the destroyed tomatoes is yet to be officially assessed, but traders estimate the losses to be in lakhs.

Short Circuit Suspected; Driver Missing

While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities suspect an electrical short circuit triggered by the impact of the crash.

The absence of the driver has complicated the investigation. Police sources confirm that efforts are underway to trace him and record his statement. It is unclear whether the driver fled out of fear or was involved in any negligence that may have caused the accident.

Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation into the accident and fire. Statements from eyewitnesses have been recorded, and forensic teams may be called in to inspect the vehicle's remains.