In a startling incident that sent shockwaves through the region, a massive fire broke out on Tuesday morning at the temporary operational office complex of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHAIDCL) in Gautam Basti, Khathkati. The blaze erupted at approximately 9:45 am, rapidly engulfing a trailer undergoing repair.
According to initial reports, the trailer, bearing registration number NL-01-AD-5733 and arriving from Meghalaya, was in the middle of maintenance work when the situation spiraled out of control. Workers were conducting pipe welding on the vehicle when sparks are believed to have triggered the fire. Within moments, flames spread across the trailer, leaving staff with little time to respond.
The situation worsened due to the cargo the trailer was carrying. Loaded with plastic nets—a material known to ignite and burn intensely—the fire intensified at a dangerous pace. Eyewitnesses described how the trailer was swiftly consumed by flames, turning the vehicle into a heap of charred metal. The heat radiating from the inferno was so severe that an adjacent dumper parked nearby suffered partial damage.
Emergency services were alerted immediately after the flames were spotted. In response, three fire tenders from Dimapur and one from Assam raced to the location, supported by local law enforcement from Khathkati Police Station. Firefighters battled the inferno for an extended period before they were finally able to bring the situation under control.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, offering some relief amid the extensive property damage. Authorities have emphasized that although the flames have been extinguished, the incident highlights serious concerns regarding fire safety measures at repair sites, particularly when flammable materials are present.
Officials have begun a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. While preliminary findings suggest that welding sparks may have ignited the blaze, confirmation will follow after a comprehensive forensic analysis. The incident has prompted calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols, especially within temporary operational facilities.
