Varanasi: Three people, including a tanker driver and cleaner, were burnt alive after a diesel tanker caught fire and exploded when it hit an electric pole in Azamgarh late Monday. The impact brought down a transformer, triggering a massive blaze that gutted the vehicle and took firefighters several hours to bring under control.The accident occurred at Maltari Mirzapur near the power station under the Jiyanpur Kotwali police station limits.According to reports, the tanker was headed to a petrol pump in the Bilariyaganj police station area. After the collision, a transformer mounted on the electric pole fell, triggering a powerful explosion and a massive fire in the tanker.The flames spread rapidly, making it impossible for nearby residents to approach the vehicle. Police and fire department teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. Six fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze.After hours of effort, firefighters managed to douse the flames, but the tanker was completely destroyed. Three people were burnt alive in the accident. One of the deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Bhikhampur village under the Mehnagar police station area.Azamgarh SP Anil Kumar said efforts are underway to identify the other victims. The accident site has been cordoned off, and an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
