The explosion occurred around 10 PM, engulfing nearby shops and homes. Many villagers were trapped, most of whom were asleep and had little time to escape. Rescue teams from the fire and police departments quickly transported the injured to local hospitals.

Witnesses reported that the tanker truck caught fire after a pickup truck collided with it. The pickup truck driver died at the scene.

Gurmukh Singh, one of the injured, said six members of his family suffered burns after their house, near the accident site, caught fire. "Our entire house was burned down," he said.

Police said the fire spread rapidly, destroying about 15 shops and 4 to 5 houses surrounding the accident area.

A doctor at Hoshiarpur Hospital, one of the hospitals receiving victims from the accident, confirmed, "One person died here, while five patients were admitted in critical condition."

My Anh (Hindustan Times)