THIS DAY THAT YEAR

Date/ Time: 29.10.2022/ 1800 hrs.

Road accident involving TT in Mizoram

Brief Description

A tank truck (TT) loaded with 22 KL Motor Spirit (MS) lost control on a downward slope near Tuirial in
Mizoram and toppled on the roadside, resulting in leakage of MS. Local populace started collecting MS
from the TT after which the TT caught fire resulting in death of 04 nos. of persons on the spot and burn
injury to another 17, 08 of whom died in the hospital.

Fatalities / Injuries

04 persons died on the spot; 17 nos. injured were hospitalized, out of which 08 nos. succumbed to
their injuries in the hospital taking the death toll to 12.

Sequence of Events

• A POL TT (invoiced ex-Vairengte Depot on 28.10.22) was carrying, 22 KL MS to a Retail Outlet in

Champhai, Mizoram.
• On 29.10.22 at around 1300 hrs, while on its way to the destination, the TT met with an accident on
Aizawl-Seling-Champhai road, at a place called Tuirial in Mizoram.
• The TT toppled on the road onto its left side while taking a right turn with a downward slope.
• Due to damage from the fall, product started leaking from the compartment manholes and local
persons started collecting MS from the TT. The TT crew did not barricade the TT and absconded from
the accident site in state of panic.
• Transporter representative informed the local Police Station about the incident and requested for
deploying police personnel and fire personnel to avoid any kind of eventualities. He also lined up with a
nearby RO for arranging rescue of TT.
• Representatives from the nearby Retail Outlet reached at site and advised the local populace to refrain
from collecting MS because it may catch fire; however, they continued collecting the oil.
• At around 1800 hrs, a fire broke out and the entire area shrouded in MS vapour caught fire.
• Police and fire brigade reached at around 1815 hrs and fire could be doused at around 1900 hrs.
• The person who lit a lighter in the middle of the road near the Tank Lorry was arrested. He admitted to
his guilt on 02.11.22 stating that it was done inadvertently.

Cause of the incident

• TT toppled onto its left side after taking a right turn on the road having moderate descent so as to avoid
a car coming from the opposite direction resulting in leakage of product.
Cause of Ignition: One person from the crowd lit a lighter in the middle of the road near the Tank Lorry.
Root Cause:
• Drivers not trained to deal with toppled TT cases.
• Late arrival of Police and Fire Brigade.
• The uncontrolled public who did not heed any warnings and the late arrival of the police which left the
toppled TT without any supervision.

Health, Safety & Environment Department, Corporate Office 1

Gaps / Lapses

• Drivers not trained to deal with toppled TT cases which should be an essential part of defensive
driving training.

Major Recommendations

• TT to keep duct tapes of bright red colour having sufficient length for cordoning of the area in case of
accidents.
• Training on barricading of accidental TT and how to stop fuel leakage (if possible) should be included in
TT crew training programs.
• TT crew should be instructed to contact nearby Retail Outlets after any road accident for assistance
and also for mobilizing manpower to cordon of the accident area. TT crew should be provided with
contact details of all ROs of market attached with supply location.
• Campaigns to create public awareness on hazards associated with accident TT, including Do's and
Don’ts awareness to be taken up with District Administration on a larger scale.

Locals collecting MS from the toppled TT

Health, Safety & Environment Department, Corporate Office 2