A driver was charred to death and two others were injured in a collision involving a gas tanker and a lorry near Payyoli here today and swift intervention of authorities averted a major fire tragedy in the area.

The mishap occurred at Iringal, about 44 KM from here, when the rice laden lorry collided with the tanker around 0400 hours sparking fire from diesel tank of the gas tanker, police said.

The fire engulfed the cabin of the gas tanker and the driver, Ramakrishnan (36), hailing from Chettikulam in Tamil Nadu, was charred to death. The two injured crew of the truck, which was damaged in the fire, were admitted to hospital.

Fireforce personnel doused the fire thereby averting a possible fire tragedy in the area with the LPG gas tanker portion remaining intact.

Authorities were engaged in shifting the LPG-portion to another tanker, they said adding that the mishap disrupted traffic for about five hours.

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