Shillong, Jul 22: A truck transporting rice for the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was extensively damaged after it caught fire at Umsning Bypass in Ri-Bhoi district on Wednesday evening. The driver escaped safely and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
According to preliminary information, the Assam-registered truck (AS 01FC 8674) and driven by Farijul Hoque, was en route to Jowai with a consignment of FCI rice when flames suddenly erupted from the vehicle at around 5:30pm.
The fire is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed by the investigating authorities.
Firefighters from the Umiam Fire and Emergency Services responded promptly and succeeded in extinguishing the blaze, preventing it from spreading further.
