Dhulabari roadwork fire leaves one injured, bitumen tanker destroyed

A fire broke out during road blacktopping work in Dhulabari, Mechinagar-9, leaving one person seriously injured.

The injured has been identified as Umesh Kumar Rai from Laxmipur Patari-6, Siraha. He was hurt while trying to put out the fire. Police said his face, both hands, and legs were burned. He is currently receiving treatment at Birta City Hospital in Birtamode.

The fire started around 9:30 pm on Monday while Kanchan Nirman Sewa, a construction company, was working on the road section under a World Bank-supported project. Locals said that although road work was being done at night, safety measures were not properly followed.

The blaze was brought under control with the help of locals, security personnel, and a fire engine from Mechinagar Municipality.

According to locals, the fire was so intense that it could not be controlled immediately, forcing them to call in the fire engine. The tanker carrying bitumen was completely destroyed, but its driver, Ganesh Dahal from Sunkoshi-7, Sindhuli, escaped unharmed. Police said the details of the damage are still being collected.