Vijayanagara
The incident took place near the Harpanahalli railway gate in the district when a tanker carrying diesel overturned and caught fire. Despite trying to avoid hitting the bike, the accident happened.
Nagaraj (35) of Hampapatna village of Hagari Bommanahalli taluk, the bike rider caught in the fire, was burnt alive on the spot. The accompanying person sustained serious burns and the tanker driver survived.
The accident took place at a distance of 5 km from Harpanahalli.  8000 liters of diesel and 4000 liters of petrol was filled in the tanker and was transported from Davanagere. The driver tried to avoid the oncoming bike and fell to the side causing a fire. Bike rider Nagaraj fell under the tanker and got burnt. Another rider was seriously injured. He was immediately rushed to the taluk hospital and firemen extinguished the fire.
Nagaraj, who was burnt, belongs to Sonna Thuugere village of Hagaribommanahalli taluk. It is said that he was working in a bar in Harpanahalli. The accident took place on the way to the wife’s home and from there to her farm.
The tanker driver jumped out of the tanker and survived. Continuous smoke is emanating from the tanker due to presence of diesel. Movement of people and vehicles around the accident site was prohibited.
