Inferno on the Hills: Sugar Truck Erupts in Flames

A lorry transporting 35 tonnes of sugar was destroyed by fire in the Burgur forest area. The incident occurred when the driver noticed smoke from the engine. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the truck and its cargo were completely burnt. An investigation is underway.

A dramatic incident unfolded in the Burgur forest area when a lorry carrying 35 tonnes of sugar caught fire, according to police reports. The vehicle, en route from the Pandaripura Sugar Factory in Mysuru to Thanjavur, was traversing the challenging ghat road.

The driver, Syed Yacub, noticed smoke emanating from the engine while negotiating the initial hairpin bend on the Thamaraikarai ghat road around 7.15 pm Thursday. He attempted to quell the fire by applying water but was unsuccessful, resulting in the flames spreading to the entire vehicle.

Fire and Rescue Services responded promptly, battling the blaze with fire tenders but were unable to save the lorry or its sugar cargo. The police have filed a complaint based on the driver's report and have started an investigation into the incident.