A massive explosion resulting from a collision between an LPG tanker and a pickup truck has claimed at least two lives and left over 50 people injured in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The incident occurred around 10 PM on Friday night, August 22, 2025, on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur highway near Mandiala village.
Eyewitnesses reported that a Mahindra pickup truck rammed into the LPG tanker, leading to a fire and a subsequent massive explosion. The force of the blast engulfed nearby shops and residences, trapping many villagers inside, some of whom were already asleep. Flames spread rapidly, fueled by the leaking LPG and strong winds, creating a chaotic scene as people scrambled to escape. The driver of the pickup truck, who remains unidentified, was reportedly trapped in his vehicle and died from burn injuries.
Rescue teams, including fire departments from Jalandhar, Adampur, and Hoshiarpur, along with police and medical personnel, rushed to the scene. Teams from Adampur air base, Unchi Bassi army cantonment and State Disaster Response Force were also called in to assist with the rescue operation. The injured were transported to civil hospitals in Adampur, Hoshiarpur, and Jalandhar. According to Hoshiarpur Civil Surgeon Pawan Kumar, one person was declared dead at the hospital, and five patients were in critical condition.
The explosion's impact extended beyond the immediate collision site, with the fire engulfing over 15 shops and four to five residential houses in the vicinity. Gurmukh Singh, an injured villager, recounted how six members of his family sustained burn injuries after their house caught fire, stating that their entire house was gutted.
Senior officials from the district administration, including Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, visited the site and hospitals. Dr. Singh assured the affected families of all possible assistance from the government. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain stated that a road accident between an LPG tanker and a pickup vehicle led to the catastrophic incident. She also mentioned that the fire was largely brought under control, and a detailed assessment of the cause of the accident and the extent of the damage would be conducted. Jain added that the accident likely occurred when a car collided with the tanker, resulting in a fire and subsequent explosion.
Traffic movement on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar National Highway has been restricted as a precautionary measure. The administration has promised compensation for the victims and immediate relief for those who lost their homes and livelihoods.
