Chemical tanker explosion on NH-52 in Karnataka halts traffic, driver missing

A chemical tanker caught fire after an explosion on National Highway 52 in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district on Thursday, with authorities fearing the driver may be missing.

The incident occurred near Kanchinabagilu in Ankola taluk. Officials said the explosion triggered a fire that quickly engulfed the tanker, sending up thick plumes of smoke and making it difficult for responders to approach the site.

Search operations are underway for the driver, who has not been located since the incident. Rescue efforts have been hampered by intense heat and the continuing blaze.

Traffic on the busy Ankola–Hubballi stretch of NH-52 has been halted as a precaution, leading to long queues on both sides of the highway.

Police and fire brigade teams reached the spot shortly after the explosion and are working to bring the fire under control. However, officials said the nature of the chemicals involved is complicating firefighting efforts.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known. Authorities said further details will be released after a preliminary investigation.

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