Filed by NidhiLudhiana: A truck carrying chemicals caught fire in Hira Nagar opposite Transport Nagar on Thursday afternoon. The flames rose to a high altitude, causing panic in the area. Fortunately, there were no casualties and a major tragedy was averted.As per the area residents, a truck carrying chemicals was passing through the area and it suddenly came into contact with high-voltage power lines. The sudden sparks from the wires caused the chemicals on the truck to catch fire, and the flames quickly escalated. The truck was in flames in no time but the driver and cleaner made it to come out of the truck in time.Due to high flames an electricity pole, wires and some electricity meters also got destroyed. The residents claimed that some houses developed cracks due to heat coming from the flames. Taking precaution, the residents were safely evacuated through the back door. People were standing in the street to check status of fire while fire officials had tough time while keeping onlookers away from the spot.As soon as the information was received, four fire brigade vehicles arrived at the scene and began extinguishing the fire. After about an hour of effort, the fire was brought under control. Sub fire officer Rajan Singh said the team arrived at the scene as soon as information was received. The fire was extinguished within an hour with the help of three fire engines. No injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation as a short circuit is the primary reason for fire from the wires.
