A diesel tanker caught fire near the Churiyamai Temple in Hetauda on Monday evening, briefly creating panic in the surrounding area.

Inspector Kishori Acharya, of the area police office, Pashupatinagar, the fire broke out reportedly in the engine section of the tanker while it was travelling towards Hetauda from Amlekhgunj. The vehicle, bearing registration number Lu 1 Kha 6609, sustained severe damage, with its front portion completely gutted by the flames.

However, a major accident was averted as the fire did not spread to the diesel storage compartment, significantly limiting potential damage and risk, police said.

Upon receiving information about the incident, two fire engines from Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City and the Amlekhgunj Oil Corporation were dispatched to the scene. The fire was brought under control at around 5:30 pm with the help of firefighters.

“The fire remained confined to the engine section and did not reach the diesel tank, which prevented a large-scale disaster,” Acharya said.

As the front section of the tanker was destroyed on the roadway, the affected stretch of road is currently operating under one-way traffic.

Deputy Superintendent of police Pushkar Bogari, spokesperson of district police office, Makwanpur, said that coordination is under way with concerned agencies to restore smooth traffic flow in both directions.

The incident site lies approximately eight kilometres south of the area police office, Pashupatinagar.