People injured in bid to collect oil
JOWAI/SHILLONG: An oil tanker caught fire on Thursday morning injuring 12 persons at Mookhep in East Jaintia Hills.
The Silchar-bound tanker lost control and overturned at Mookhep on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, more than 30 people from nearby villages gathered at the spot with buckets to collect petrol that was leaking from the tanker.
Sources said someone in the melee might have lighted a cigarette and the truck suddenly caught fire and blew off injuring 12 persons.
Some from Wapungskur sustained critical burn injuries. Marius Sumer, Dame Ryngkhlem, Rahlang Siangshai and Bor Ryngkhle are among the critically injured who are admitted in a local hospital. Later, the flames were brought under control by a fire tender.
Ladrymbai police said the driver of the tanker did not report the accident on Wednesday night and was absconding.
