Container truck catches fire on NH-44 in Medak, 8 new cars gutted
HYDERABAD: Eight new cars were gutted after a container truck caught fire on the Nagulapalli bridge on the National Highway-44 bypass road near Toopran in Medak district of Telangana on Thursday.
Police said the container truck was transporting newly manufactured cars from Nizamabad to Hyderabad when the fire broke out in the cabin of the vehicle. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly to the container and engulfed all the vehicles loaded inside.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke billowed from the container as motorists on the highway stopped their vehicles and alerted emergency services. Traffic movement on the stretch was affected for some time as police diverted vehicles to prevent further mishaps.
Locals alert fire officials after smoke engulfs highway
Fire tenders rushed to the spot after receiving information. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing the fire under control. However, all eight cars were completely destroyed in the incident.
Officials suspect that a short circuit in the truck cabin could have triggered the fire, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Police begin probe into cause of blaze
Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also assessing the extent of property loss caused by the fire.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
