LPG Tanker Explosion After Crash at Uttar Pradesh Toll Plaza Leaves 5 Dead

A tragic road accident involving a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker claimed five lives after the vehicle crashed into a toll plaza and exploded in Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on June 26, 2026, at around 6:40 a.m., but CCTV footage of the horrifying accident surfaced on July 3, bringing nationwide attention to the tragedy.

Where Did the Accident Happen?

The accident took place at the Sihori Toll Plaza under the Kokhraj police station area in Kaushambi district, along the national highway connecting Kanpur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, the LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur toward Varanasi/Pratapgarh when it lost control near the toll plaza.

How Did the Explosion Occur?

Preliminary investigations indicate that the LPG tanker lost control, struck a concrete divider, and rammed into the toll plaza. The impact caused a significant gas leak, releasing a large cloud of highly flammable LPG vapour around the toll booths.

Within minutes, the leaked gas ignited, triggering a massive explosion and an intense fireball that engulfed the tanker, toll booths, and several nearby vehicles. The flames were reportedly visible from nearly two kilometres away, while thick smoke spread rapidly across the area, causing panic among toll workers and motorists. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to contain the blaze.

Casualties and Damage

The accident has claimed five lives, including the tanker driver and several toll plaza employees who suffered severe burn injuries. Initially, fewer fatalities were reported, but the death toll rose after critically injured workers succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Apart from the fatalities:

• Several people sustained burn injuries.

• At least 16 motorcycles and two cars parked near the toll plaza were destroyed.

• Parts of the toll plaza infrastructure suffered extensive damage due to the explosion and fire.

Rescue Operations

Following the explosion, multiple fire brigade units, police personnel, and emergency medical teams were deployed to the site. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and secure the surrounding area to prevent further explosions.

Traffic on the highway was temporarily diverted while authorities carried out rescue operations and cleared the damaged vehicles and debris from the toll plaza.

Current Situation

As of the latest official updates:

• The fire has been completely extinguished.

• The highway has largely returned to normal operations.

• Two injured victims continue to receive treatment in hospital, according to the latest reports.

• Uttar Pradesh Police have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident, examining factors such as vehicle speed, mechanical failure, road conditions, and possible negligence. CCTV footage is also being analysed as part of the investigation.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have formed a technical investigation team to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the tanker first struck a divider before gas began leaking, ultimately leading to the devastating explosion. Officials have not yet released a final investigation report, and further findings are awaited.

Conclusion

The Kaushambi LPG tanker explosion has once again highlighted the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy highways. As investigators work to establish the exact cause of the crash, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures for hazardous cargo transport and emergency preparedness at highway infrastructure such as toll plazas.