Massive Blast in Howrah: Oil Tanker Explodes on NH-16, Several Vehicles Gutted

New Delhi, january 10, 2026: A catastrophic fire broke out at the Dhulagorh crossing in Howrah late Friday night after an oil tanker leaked fuel and exploded on the national highway. The resulting “river of fire” quickly spread across the service road, engulfing at least four lorries and a passenger bus in flames.

The incident, which occurred around 9:00 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026, turned a segment of the busy NH-16 (Kolkata-Mumbai Highway) into a localized inferno. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the moving tanker continued to roll down the road while leaking burning fuel, effectively chasing other vehicles with a wall of fire.

Chain Reaction of Destruction

The blaze began when a Bagnan-bound oil tanker developed a significant leak. Within seconds, the highly flammable cargo ignited, creating a trail of fire along the service road.

• Vehicles Destroyed: Four stationary or slow-moving lorries were caught in the path of the burning oil.
• Public Transport at Risk: A passenger bus was also trapped by the flames. Fortunately, quick-thinking passengers and locals managed to evacuate the vehicle before the fire fully consumed the cabin.
• Explosions: Multiple loud blasts, likely from the tires and fuel tanks of the involved vehicles, were heard throughout the Dhulagorh area, causing widespread panic among residents.

Emergency Response and Casualties

The Howrah Fire Department dispatched multiple fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters faced significant challenges as the burning oil spread rapidly across the asphalt, requiring specialized foam to smother the chemical fire.

Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Tripathi confirmed that while the property damage is extensive, there have been no reported fatalities or serious injuries so far.

“The fire has been brought completely under control. It is a major relief that no loss of life or injuries have been reported in this massive accident,” the Commissioner stated.

Traffic Disruption and Investigation

The incident caused a total standstill on NH-16 for several hours. Authorities diverted traffic to alternative routes as recovery teams worked to remove the charred remains of the gutted vehicles.

A preliminary investigation is underway to determine if the leak was caused by a mechanical failure or a prior collision. Police are also looking into whether the tanker was carrying fuel beyond its sanctioned capacity.