BHIWANI: A chemical-laden tanker caught fire in the Behal area of Haryana’s Bhiwani district on Sunday morning, triggering panic in the locality. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing several roadside carts and makeshift shops nearby. Six fire tenders were rushed to the spot from Bhiwani, Hisar, Loharu and Siwani to bring the situation under control.According to police, the tanker was carrying a flammable chemical from Gujarat to Sonipat. The vehicle had overturned on Rajgarh Road in Behal during the night while the driver was reportedly attempting to avoid a motorcycle rider.Behal SHO Ugrasen said the tanker overturned after the accident, following which the chemical inside it began leaking gradually.The leaked chemical subsequently flowed into a nearby wastewater drain. Later, the chemical in the drain caught fire for an unspecified reason. The flames travelled along the drain and eventually reached the overturned tanker, causing it to catch fire.The blaze then spread to nearby roadside carts and makeshift kiosks, resulting in property damage.As soon as the fire was reported, the local police team reached the spot and fire tenders were summoned. Given the intensity of the blaze, additional firefighting vehicles were called in from Bhiwani, Hisar, Loharu and Siwani.Loharu SDM Manoj Kumar also reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Police, civil administration and fire department personnel jointly worked to contain the blaze, with local residents also assisting in the emergency response.Police said the tanker had overturned while the driver, Praveen, was attempting to avoid a motorcycle rider. The driver sustained a leg injury and was taken to a hospital during the night, where he received treatment.Behal SHO Ugrasen said there was no loss of life or serious injury in the incident. The injured driver was treated at a hospital.The SHO further said no criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident so far.The fire damaged roadside carts and kiosks located near the tanker. The administration has initiated an assessment of the losses, with revenue officials directed to prepare a report. Videos and photographs of the affected area have also been recorded for documentation.Officials said the fire was eventually brought under control through the coordinated efforts of the police, administration, fire department and local residents.
