NONGPOH, April 20: Panic reigned supreme on Umroi Bypass road at Mawpun Kshaid village, Ri-Bhoi, after an oil tanker caught massive fire and exploded on Thursday afternoon.
The oil tanker had caught fire after it overturned and rammed into a Maruti car.
According to sources, the diesel-carrying tanker was reportedly overspeeding before it rammed into the car, which was heading from Umroi towards Umsning.
The driver of the Maruti car said that they were driving on the right lane of the road when the oil tanker, coming from the opposite direction, overturned and hit their vehicle.
Five occupants of the Maruti car, including four women and the driver, received minor injuries and were immediately taken to Bhoirymbong CHC for treatment.
The trucker and the handyman, however, fled the scene.
It was reported that the two vehicles caught fire a few minutes after the occupants were rescued. Although the vehicles were completely burnt down, there were no casualties.
Personnel from Umiam Police Station rushed to the scene along with fire emergency personnel to douse the fire.
