Tanker inferno: Survivors narrate their great escapes

[email protected] (CD Network)
April 10, 2013

Puttur, Apr 10: The Perne road tragedy has made chill run down the spine of the locals who saw the incident happen right in front of their eyes. With prayer on their lips, the survivors of the incident, who have become witnessed to the tragedy say that they were probably a bit more lucky because they survived the catastrophic embrace of the same.

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“I was purchasing some bakery items from a line salesman at my shop when I saw a fuel tanker run down the gorge. Within fraction of seconds, there was a blast with intense fire. Thick smoke blew up in shapes of mushrooms in the air, eating up not just the tanker but several thinks around the spot. I was hypnotized for a while and could not comprehend what was happening in front of my eyes,” says Umar Salimar, a witness to the incident who says that without clue he ran in opposite direction to save his life.

Even as Umar ran to escape from the fire, his saw his shop razed down. As soon as the incident happened, Umar saw coconut trees melt down like candles. Within no time the fire engulfed nearby houses and properties.

Turning point

There is a precarious turn at the spot where the mishap occurred. Just 20 kms from this spot there is another similar deep curve. The locals residents say that if at all the mishap had occurred in that curve, the magnitude of loss could have been beyond imagination because there is an educational institute situated right at this curve. Having seen irreversible losses, the local residents only urge the authorities to take measures to avert accidents on this stretch of road.

Putthu Monu, the savior

Putthu Monu from Gadiyar has been the savior in cases of several mishaps that happen on the National Highway in the region. Even on the day Perne road mishap took place and claimed several lives, Putthu Monu rushed to the spot and did all possible things to extinguish the fire.

Putthu Monu has been an expert in lifting the vehicles fallen into gorge in mishaps using pulleys. Even here, he tried to lift up a part of the tanker from mishap spot and also extended all possible help to bring the fire under control.

Great escapes

While eight people succumbed to the fatal fire flames in the mishap, a three-month old baby survived miraculously. The fire set ablaze residence of Abbas situated just 100 mts from the accident spot. While Abbas's sister-in-law Safiya (25) and his mother Hajimma (70) suffered serious burn injuries, his three-month old baby was found safe amidst the charred remains of the house.

Meanwhile, a garage owner survived the incident due to his stars. The owner of Sharavu auto works, Chandrashekar had left the garage just few minutes before the mishap. Today, though Chandrashekar mourns for his sole source of income, the garage, which has been reduced to ashes, he is glad that he has survived to built it again.

However, several people could save their lives by sensing trouble and running away from the spot.

Related: Fuel tanker inferno death toll rises to eight, Compensation declared: WATCH VIDEO

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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