Ludhiana: A 43-year veteran truck driver was killed on Saturday night after his vehicle struck a transformer and came into contact with high-tension overhead wires in Gill village.The driver, identified as Harwinder Singh of Hoshiarpur, died instantly while attempting to flee the burning vehicle. He was the sole breadwinner for his family. Witnesses near a private hospital in the village said the truck had collided with a transformer, causing a massive electrical discharge. High-tension wires fell onto the vehicle, igniting the tyres immediately.When Harwinder Singh noticed the flames and attempted to evacuate, he was electrocuted the moment he touched the door handle. “The shock was so strong that he did not get a chance to react,” a local resident said. Emergency responders rushed Singh to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.Fire ResponseFire officials confirmed they received a distress call regarding a large truck engulfed in flames. “When we reached the spot, the tires were fully engulfed,” a fire official said. “We managed to control the blaze before it could reach the fuel tank, preventing a potential explosion.” Police have moved driver Harwinder Singh’s body to a private hospital mortuary. Authorities stated the body will be released to the family following the completion of legal formalities.Third Incident in 3 MonthsSaturday’s tragedy marks the third significant truck fire in the Ludhiana area since late 2023, raising concerns over overhead wire safety and urban navigation. In Nov 2023, a truck fire on Ferozepur Road elevated path led to a fatality. On Jan 25 at Sunder Nagar, a CNG truck ignited by overhead wire spark, but the driver manage to escape.
