Nagpur: A speeding container truck rammed into an empty trailer from behind and burst into flames near Mohda on National Highway 53 late Friday night, killing the driver.Police identified the deceased as Sanjay Bind, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, who was charred to death in the crash around 10.30pm. His cousin, Sujit, who was travelling as a cleaner, sustained nearly 40% burns but was rescued by passers-by and rushed to a hospital in Bhandara. He was later referred to Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur.The truck, carrying chips and namkeen from an international food company in Nagpur, was headed towards Raipur at the time of the accident.Eyewitnesses said the impact left the cabin completely mangled, trapping Bind between the steering wheel and the crushed metal. A fire broke out almost instantly, engulfing the front portion of the vehicle. Despite attempts by bystanders, he could not be saved.According to Mouda police, the truck had left the company premises around 5pm and halted en route for a meal, during which the driver allegedly consumed liquor. Police are also examining whether the trailer driver violated traffic norms. Preliminary investigations suggest that oil leakage from the damaged engine may have triggered the blaze. The charred vehicle has been seized for forensic examination, while statements from eyewitnesses and the injured helper are being recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events.The NH-53 stretch has seen multiple accidents in recent years, attributed to heavy truck traffic, inadequate lighting, and overspeeding.
