Van Carrying Cigarette Waste Catches Fire on Anakapalli National Highway, Major Mishap Averted
A cargo van carrying cigarette waste from Kolkata to Coimbatore caught fire on the Anakapalli National Highway, causing panic and temporary traffic disruption. Swift action by emergency services prevented casualties, while police launched an inquiry into safety lapses during transport.
According to initial information, the van—locally referred to as an “Eesha” vehicle—was heavily loaded with discarded cigarette material. While the vehicle was moving along the highway near Anakapalli, a fire reportedly broke out in the cabin area. Within moments, flames spread rapidly, raising fears of a large-scale accident on the busy highway corridor.
The driver and others nearby managed to react swiftly, helping to prevent injuries and a possible explosion. Local authorities and emergency services were alerted immediately, and firefighting teams rushed to the scene to bring the blaze under control. Their prompt action ensured that the fire did not spread further or endanger nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the highly flammable nature of the cigarette waste may have intensified the fire, although the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed. Police have initiated an inquiry to determine whether safety protocols were followed during transportation and to assess any lapses in handling hazardous materials.
Traffic on the highway was temporarily disrupted as emergency operations were carried out, but normal movement was restored once the situation was stabilized. No casualties were reported, a fact officials have described as a significant relief given the severity of the blaze.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with transporting combustible waste over long distances without stringent safety measures. Authorities are expected to review regulations and enforcement related to such cargo to prevent similar incidents in the future, as the episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine transport can turn into a serious public safety threat.

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