Uppinangady: The driver of a gas tanker met a tragic death when the tanker caught fire after it overturned and fell into a roadside gorge at Sathikal, nearly 10 kms away from Uppinangady  at around midnight on May 17.

It is learnt that the  driver lost control over the vehicle as he was over speeding. The vehicle was on way to MRPL to refill gas  when the mishap took place. The deceased has been identified as Rafiq Basha (32)  hailing from Namakal in Tamil Nadu.His body was charred beyond recognition.

It is suspected that the remaining gas in the tanker might have ignited a spark leading to the fire. The fire service personnel had to struggle for over two hours to put off the fire. Traffic was disrupted on the route for several hours due to the mishap. Senior police officials including Puttur ACP Anucheth visited the spot.