8 A devastating road accident on the Akaltara-Baloda road near Kotgarh village on Sunday morning claimed the life of one trailer driver and left two others critically injured after a head-on collision between high-speed trailers resulted in a massive fire engulfing three vehicles. The incident occurred in the early hours, triggering panic in nearby villages and bringing traffic on the stretch to a standstill for several hours. According to available information, the accident took place between 4.30 am and 4.45 am in the Kotgarh Ghat area under the limits of Akaltara police station in Janjgir-Champa district. Trailers bearing registration numbers CG 12 S 5371, CG 12 BJ 5287 and CG 10 BG 61222 collided with one another under circumstances indicating excessive speed. The impact was so severe that the engines of all three trailers caught fire immediately. Within moments, the flames spread rapidly, accompanied by thick smoke and repeated explosions, turning the area into a scene of devastation. The loud blasts jolted residents of nearby villages out of their sleep, forcing them to rush out of their homes in fear. Eyewitnesses said that all three trailers were completely engulfed in flames, with fire shooting several feet into the air.

 

Explosions continued intermittently for nearly half an hour, creating an atmosphere of terror and chaos across the area. Despite the danger, local villagers displayed exceptional courage by rushing to the spot and attempting rescue operations. Using buckets, drums and household utensils, they tried to douse the flames and managed to pull the trapped drivers out of the burning vehicles, even as explosions continued. The police were informed immediately after the incident. In the mishap, Sukhnandan Gond (35), a trailer driver and resident of Manikpur in Pali area of Korba district, was burnt alive and died on the spot. Two other drivers, Shyamlal Yadav (30) of Chaitma village and Chhotelal (38) of Hardi Vishal village, sustained severe burn injuries. Both were given preliminary treatment at Akaltara before being referred to Bilaspur in critical condition. On receiving the information, Akaltara SHO Bhaskar Sharma reached the scene along with police personnel. Fire tenders were requisitioned from Janjgir Municipality and JSW Mahanadi Power Company Limited. After sustained efforts, the blaze was finally brought under control at around 7 am. The charred trailers were later removed from the roadway, following which vehicular movement on the Akaltara-Baloda route was restored.

 

According to injured driver Shyamlal Yadav’s statement to the police, the accident occurred when a trailer approaching from behind attempted to overtake at a very high speed. During the manoeuvre, it collided head-on with a trailer coming from the opposite direction, resulting in the chain collision and subsequent fire. It is pertinent to note that coal from the mines in the Korba and Baloda regions is routinely transported through this route by trailers to JSW and other industrial units. Transporters allegedly offer additional payments for extra trips, encouraging drivers to operate vehicles at high speeds, particularly during night hours. This practice has contributed to a series of serious accidents on the Akaltara–Baloda road. Local residents alleged that heavy vehicles ply unchecked throughout the night on this stretch, with traffic rules being openly flouted. Many trailers reportedly operate without helpers, uncovered loads and valid fitness certificates. Due to alleged inaction by the authorities, transport operators continue to disregard safety norms. Residents claimed that more than 30 people have lost their lives on this road over the past decade, yet no effective corrective measures have been implemented. Following Sunday’s tragedy, villagers demanded strict enforcement of night-time checks on heavy vehicles, effective speed control measures, mandatory fitness inspections and stringent action against erring transporters to prevent recurrence of such fatal incidents.