Seven persons were charred to death and nine injured when a petrol-laden tanker overturned at Charhoti naka on National Highway 8 in the neighbouring district of Thane on Saturday afternoon.
The tanker, belonging to the Reliance company, was coming to Mumbai from Ahmedabad. Six vehicles were also burnt in the ensuing explosion, but the persons inside managed to escape. The injured have been admitted to the Thane civil hospital.
"The driver of the tanker had to suddenly apply brakes at a circle. The tanker turned turtle and exploded. All four persons inside the tanker and three others walking on the road were charred to death. Their identities cannot be ascertained," Rajesh Pradhan, Superintendent of Police (Thane, Rural), said.
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The impact of the explosion was so severe that only parts of the chasis were found, the Thane police said.
Mr. Pradhan said Bhushan Sankhe, a 30-year-old colleague of his, risked his life to save a six-year-old girl though he sustained burn injuries on his hands. Sankhe's name will be recommended for a bravery award, the SP added.