Bhatkal: The mishap involving gas tanker and a passenger tempo, which took place in the early hours of Friday, left locals into fear after the likely chances of gas emission increased. Fortunately, there was no leakage in the gas even after the high impact of the collision. The mishap happened on Sarpankatta NH66 in the taluk.

According to sources, the gas-filled tanker was heading towards Dharwad from Mangaluru, while the passenger tempo was moving towards Kodi from Bhatkal town. Losing the control of the vehicle after collision, tempo went on hitting into a nearby shop which was shut. As the tempo was carrying no passengers in it, the major tragedy was averted. However, the driver sustained grievous injuries over his leg and has been taken to Manipal hospital after providing initial treatments at Bhatkal government hospital.

The injured tempo driver is identified as Narasimha Madhav (39) of Belke in Bhatkal. The driver of gas tanker received minor injuries, who is identified as Tamal Irsaan (29).

The impact of the collision was such that the tanker got separated from the engine part of the truck and toppled on the highway. Following the incident, locald panicked and feared of chances of gas leakage. As the information was given, police along with fire brigade team rushed to the spot.

The tanker belonged to Bharat petroleum.