Devastating Fire on CR Avenue After Methyl Alcohol Tanker Overturns: One Dead, Buildings Damaged

Early Wednesday, a catastrophic incident unfolded on CR Avenue when a tanker transporting methyl alcohol caught fire and overturned, leading to a massive blaze that engulfed at least two adjacent buildings and resulted in the tragic death of a man. The fire, which erupted around 5:10 am near Mohammad Ali Park, caused significant property damage and prompted an urgent response from emergency services.

Chaos Unfolds on CR Avenue

The sequence of events leading to the disaster began when the tanker, navigating through CR Avenue, struck a lamppost. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, exacerbating the fire that had reportedly started at the rear of the tanker. Eyewitnesses, including local resident Bipin Ganatra, described the terrifying moments as the fire spread rapidly, damaging nearby buildings. One of the buildings, already in a dilapidated state and thankfully unoccupied, suffered extensive damage, while ground floor shops were completely destroyed. The blaze also affected parts of another adjoining building, highlighting the fire’s ferocity and reach.

Emergency Response and Casualty

In response to the emergency, ten fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to combat the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire claimed the life of Avay Tiwari, 31, who was trapped inside the tanker’s cabin. The driver of the tanker, in a shocking turn of events, fled the scene, leaving Tiwari behind. The tanker, en route from Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas, had its journey cut tragically short, with the intended destination of the methyl alcohol unknown due to the destruction of related documents in the fire. The police are now conducting a comprehensive investigation, incorporating chemical examinations of the remaining methyl alcohol, forensic analysis, and review of local CCTV footage to piece together the exact cause of the fire.

Investigations Underway

The police’s investigation aims to uncover the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident. By examining the forensic evidence and reviewing CCTV footage, authorities hope to understand the circumstances that caused the tanker to catch fire and overturn. The loss of life and significant property damage has left the community in shock, raising questions about the transportation of hazardous materials and the measures in place to prevent such disasters in the future.

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the transportation of hazardous chemicals. It underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and the need for immediate action to address any lapses in the transportation and handling of such materials. The community now awaits answers, hoping that lessons learned from this tragedy will prevent future incidents.