August 21, 2026

July 2026

Jul 03, 2026, 15:50 IST

Jul 03, 2026, 15:50 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The build-up to Egypt’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Australia took an unexpected turn after a confrontation broke out between a member of the Egyptian delegation and a US police officer outside the team’s hotel in Dallas.The incident happened as players were meeting fans gathered outside the hotel for photos and autographs….

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Who is Lokhande Prashant Sitaram? Meet the IAS officer appointed as new CBSE Chairperson

Who is Lokhande Prashant Sitaram? Meet the IAS officer appointed as new CBSE Chairperson

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Centre has entrusted senior IAS officer Lokhande Prashant Sitaram with the additional charge of CBSE Chairperson while he continues to serve in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Here’s a closer look at his educational background, administrative career, and the leadership transition at India’s largest school education board. The Central Government has appointed senior IAS…

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Dulquer Salmaan yet to seek release of remaining seized vehicles in luxury vehicle smuggling probe – Reports

Dulquer Salmaan yet to seek release of remaining seized vehicles in luxury vehicle smuggling probe – Reports

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan was questioned by Customs officials as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged luxury vehicle smuggling case. According to the latest reports, the actor and filmmaker has not yet requested the provisional release of the remaining vehicles.Earlier, Dulquer Salmaan appeared before the officials on July 1 and was questioned for…

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First underwater home for scientists installed 17 metres below the Florida Keys to support marine research

First underwater home for scientists installed 17 metres below the Florida Keys to support marine research

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

DEEP has completed the installation of Vanguard, its pilot subsea human habitat, at Tennessee Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The system now sits 17 metres below the water’s surface following a complex marine operation, marking a significant milestone in subsea engineering and long-duration underwater research capability.The installation enables multi-day subsea missions, allowing…

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Etihad Rail Station Access Roads Project: Sharjah announces traffic diversions near University city for Etihad rail works; Motorists face delays until August | World News

Etihad Rail Station Access Roads Project: Sharjah announces traffic diversions near University city for Etihad rail works; Motorists face delays until August | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Sharjah motorists advised to plan ahead as Etihad rail construction alters key roads / Image – file Motorists travelling through one of Sharjah’s busiest educational corridors will need to plan their journeys carefully over the coming weeks after authorities announced a temporary traffic diversion to facilitate construction linked to the UAE’s ambitious Etihad Rail Station…

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said the organisation was “extremely pained and angered” over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and called for strict action against those found guilty.He also urged the Hindu community to exercise restraint and “thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the society by exploiting this unfortunate incident.”In a video statement posted on X, Hosabale said, “The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees andwe are all extremely pained and angered by this event.”Hosabale further welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and said those found guilty should face stringent punishment.”At the earnest request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations. It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment,” he added.The RSS leader also said it was natural for the Hindu community to expect the temple trust to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and take corrective measures to address any shortcomings in temple administration.”It is natural for the entire Hindu society, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, to expect the Trust to treat this highly condemnable incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to rectify all shortcomings in temple management and operations. This is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain unbroken and steadfast,” he said.”The current state of confusion and uncertainty must end. In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT to take all necessary initiatives. We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society,” he added.He also appealed to the Hindu community to remain patient and not allow the controversy to be exploited by hostile elements.”The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also calls upon the entire Hindu society to display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment and to thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident,” Hosabale said.”The grand temple constructed at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a center of reverence, faith, and devotion for the entire Hindu society, owing to the struggles of generations and the dedication, sacrifice, and martyrdom of crores of Rambhakts,” he added.The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 following a preliminary report submitted by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government.So far, eight accused have been arrested. According to police, nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, has been recovered from six of the accused and the investigation is continuing.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Set For Major Defence Boost As DAC Reviews HAMMER, Verba And MP-ATGM DealsFamily Alleges Indian Seafarer’s Body Returned Without Organs; Embassy Demands InvestigationISRO Bengaluru Campus Searched After Bomb Threat Email; Police Say No Explosives FoundFirst Arrest Made In Bengaluru Daycare Abuse Case After Nationwide OutrageBluetooth Security Flaw In Some E-Rickshaw Batteries Allows Remote Shutdown: ReportsHardeep Singh Puri Busts Ethanol Fuel Myths, Says Mileage Drop Is Minor And Insurance Remains ValidOmar Abdullah Questions Backlash Over India-Pak Talks, Says RSS Favours Dialogue TooUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library Row123PhotostoriesFrom a lush garden to a massive living room and stunning paintings: Inside Smriti Irani’s lavish mansionPsychology says women who find it hard to say ‘No’ often share these 8 personality traitsPsychology says difficult mothers-in-law aren’t always trying to be difficult and it is not personal always; here’s what may really be happeningYour baby is crying and you don’t know why: Here are the 8 common reasons experts want every parent to know5 habits that make you a better lover than almost everyone around you5 snake myths every traveller should stop believing and what nature lover and adventure seeker needs to knowPsychology says men who understand these 10 traits of women often build stronger and healthier relationshipsAhead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, here’s look at some of the most iconic celebrity weddings of all timeWhat would you do? My partner likes every post of a woman he doesn’t know; 5 women on what they did about itOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said the organisation was “extremely pained and angered” over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and called for strict action against those found guilty.He also urged the Hindu community to exercise restraint and “thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the society by exploiting this unfortunate incident.”In a video statement posted on X, Hosabale said, “The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees andwe are all extremely pained and angered by this event.”Hosabale further welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and said those found guilty should face stringent punishment.”At the earnest request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations. It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment,” he added.The RSS leader also said it was natural for the Hindu community to expect the temple trust to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and take corrective measures to address any shortcomings in temple administration.”It is natural for the entire Hindu society, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, to expect the Trust to treat this highly condemnable incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to rectify all shortcomings in temple management and operations. This is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain unbroken and steadfast,” he said.”The current state of confusion and uncertainty must end. In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT to take all necessary initiatives. We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society,” he added.He also appealed to the Hindu community to remain patient and not allow the controversy to be exploited by hostile elements.”The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also calls upon the entire Hindu society to display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment and to thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident,” Hosabale said.”The grand temple constructed at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a center of reverence, faith, and devotion for the entire Hindu society, owing to the struggles of generations and the dedication, sacrifice, and martyrdom of crores of Rambhakts,” he added.The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 following a preliminary report submitted by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government.So far, eight accused have been arrested. According to police, nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, has been recovered from six of the accused and the investigation is continuing.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Set For Major Defence Boost As DAC Reviews HAMMER, Verba And MP-ATGM DealsFamily Alleges Indian Seafarer’s Body Returned Without Organs; Embassy Demands InvestigationISRO Bengaluru Campus Searched After Bomb Threat Email; Police Say No Explosives FoundFirst Arrest Made In Bengaluru Daycare Abuse Case After Nationwide OutrageBluetooth Security Flaw In Some E-Rickshaw Batteries Allows Remote Shutdown: ReportsHardeep Singh Puri Busts Ethanol Fuel Myths, Says Mileage Drop Is Minor And Insurance Remains ValidOmar Abdullah Questions Backlash Over India-Pak Talks, Says RSS Favours Dialogue TooUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library Row123PhotostoriesFrom a lush garden to a massive living room and stunning paintings: Inside Smriti Irani’s lavish mansionPsychology says women who find it hard to say ‘No’ often share these 8 personality traitsPsychology says difficult mothers-in-law aren’t always trying to be difficult and it is not personal always; here’s what may really be happeningYour baby is crying and you don’t know why: Here are the 8 common reasons experts want every parent to know5 habits that make you a better lover than almost everyone around you5 snake myths every traveller should stop believing and what nature lover and adventure seeker needs to knowPsychology says men who understand these 10 traits of women often build stronger and healthier relationshipsAhead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, here’s look at some of the most iconic celebrity weddings of all timeWhat would you do? My partner likes every post of a woman he doesn’t know; 5 women on what they did about itOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said the organisation was “extremely pained and angered” over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and called for strict action against those found guilty.He also urged the Hindu community to…

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Jul 03, 2026, 16:20 IST

Jul 03, 2026, 16:20 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Julian Nagelsmann, Jürgen Klopp Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany head coach after the team’s shock exit from the FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to his tenure less than three years after taking charge.The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed Nagelsmann’s resignation on Friday, four days after Germany were knocked out by Paraguay in…

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ToneTag eKosha to convert UPI soundboxes into banking touch points

ToneTag eKosha to convert UPI soundboxes into banking touch points

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

ToneTag eKosha to convert UPI soundboxes into banking touch points MUMBAI: Bengaluru-based fintech ToneTag has launched a tech stack that allows shopkeepers to use their UPI soundboxes for conversational banking without requiring the tech savviness needed for mobile or internet banking. ToneTag’s speciality is enabling payments using sound-based contactless data transfer without a network, the…

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Cybersecurity Programme: IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur introduce practice-oriented Bachelor of Cybersecurity with two-year field deployment

Cybersecurity Programme: IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur introduce practice-oriented Bachelor of Cybersecurity with two-year field deployment

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur launch India’s first practice-oriented Bachelor of Cybersecurity programme Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have jointly launched India’s first practice-oriented four-year Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber.) programme, which will begin with the academic year commencing July 2026. The undergraduate course has been introduced to address the…

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Farah Khan Ali opens up on dating Bobby Deol, denies Neelam Kothari coming between them: ‘She came much later, we were childhood sweethearts, held hands’

Farah Khan Ali opens up on dating Bobby Deol, denies Neelam Kothari coming between them: ‘She came much later, we were childhood sweethearts, held hands’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Sanjay Khan and Zarine Khan’s daughter Farah Khan Ali is a renowned jewellery designer was rumoured to be dating Bobby Deol while they were growing up. In a recent interview, Farah has reacted to these rumours. She was also asked if her relationship with Neelam spoilt because she came into Bobby’s life. Opening up on…

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Why do goats climb trees in Morocco: The surprising science behind their forest-saving habit

Why do goats climb trees in Morocco: The surprising science behind their forest-saving habit

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Image: Fadel Senna/National Geographic At first glance, the sight seems almost impossible. Dozens of goats balance effortlessly on the branches of thorny trees, standing several metres above the ground as though they were mountain ledges. This remarkable spectacle has become one of Morocco’s most iconic natural attractions, leaving travellers wondering whether the photographs are even…

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The LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when it allegedly lost control, struck the central divider, overturned and rammed into the toll plaza NEW DELHI: Fresh CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment an LPG tanker crashed into a toll plaza before erupting into a massive explosion in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district. The Uttar Pradesh police has also issued a press release detailing the sequence of events that left seven people injured, including five toll plaza employees who suffered critical burn injuries.The incident occurred at around 7am on Friday at the Sihori Toll Plaza under Kokhraj police station limits, about 16 kilometres from the district headquarters.According to police, the LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when it allegedly lost control, struck the central divider, overturned and rammed into the toll plaza. The impact caused LPG to leak from the tanker before a powerful explosion engulfed the vehicle and parts of the toll plaza in flames.The tanker driver and conductor reportedly jumped out moments before the explosion and escaped with their lives.The newly surfaced CCTV footage captures the tanker approaching the toll plaza before veering towards the toll lanes. Moments later, a dense white cloud, believed to be leaking LPG, rapidly spreads around the vehicle and across the toll plaza.For several seconds, the gas cloud continues to expand, reducing visibility around the toll booths. It is then followed by a massive fireball that engulfs the tanker and a section of the toll plaza almost instantly. Thick smoke and towering flames fill the frame as people and vehicles in the vicinity scramble to get away from the blast zone.The footage appears to corroborate the preliminary police account that the explosion occurred after LPG leaked from the overturned tanker.Police detail preliminary findingsAccording to superintendent of police Satyanarayan Prajapat, preliminary information received from toll plaza staff indicates that the collision caused the LPG leak, which subsequently triggered the explosion and fire.He said the District Supply Officer (DSO) and a technical team had been alerted to determine the exact cause of the incident. Authorities added that cooling operations and a technical inspection of the damaged tanker were continuing, while the precise sequence of events remains under investigation.Five critically injured, vehicles reduced to ashesPolice said seven people were injured in the accident.Five victims sustained severe burn injuries and were given initial treatment at the district hospital before being referred to a hospital in Prayagraj because of their critical condition. Two others suffered minor injuries and were discharged after receiving first aid.The fire spread to the toll plaza parking yard, destroying at least 16 motorcycles and two cars belonging to employees.A toll plaza supervisor, identified as Alok Pandey, who was inside a nearby toilet block when the fire spread, also suffered severe burn injuries.Toll plaza employee Sanjay Nirmal said there had been light rainfall about 10 minutes before the accident.”Suddenly the tanker came crashing down. Gas started leaking immediately and within moments the entire area was engulfed in flames,” he said.Eyewitnesses also told police that the tanker driver had allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle before losing control.Huge plumes of black smoke and towering flames were visible from nearly two kilometres away as the blaze rapidly spread to the toll plaza yard and the adjoining toilet block, trapping several employees.Terrified commuters abandoned their vehicles as buses and cars lined up on both sides of the toll plaza, bringing traffic on the highway to a standstill.Fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and began firefighting operations. However, the intensity of the fire initially prevented rescuers from approaching the burning tanker, delaying rescue efforts until the blaze was brought under control.The cause of the crash and the subsequent explosion remains under investigation.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Set For Major Defence Boost As DAC Reviews HAMMER, Verba And MP-ATGM DealsFamily Alleges Indian Seafarer’s Body Returned Without Organs; Embassy Demands InvestigationISRO Bengaluru Campus Searched After Bomb Threat Email; Police Say No Explosives FoundFirst Arrest Made In Bengaluru Daycare Abuse Case After Nationwide OutrageBluetooth Security Flaw In Some E-Rickshaw Batteries Allows Remote Shutdown: ReportsHardeep Singh Puri Busts Ethanol Fuel Myths, Says Mileage Drop Is Minor And Insurance Remains ValidOmar Abdullah Questions Backlash Over India-Pak Talks, Says RSS Favours Dialogue TooUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library Row123PhotostoriesFrom a lush garden to a massive living room and stunning paintings: Inside Smriti Irani’s lavish mansionPsychology says women who find it hard to say ‘No’ often share these 8 personality traitsPsychology says difficult mothers-in-law aren’t always trying to be difficult and it is not personal always; here’s what may really be happeningYour baby is crying and you don’t know why: Here are the 8 common reasons experts want every parent to know5 habits that make you a better lover than almost everyone around you5 snake myths every traveller should stop believing and what nature lover and adventure seeker needs to knowPsychology says men who understand these 10 traits of women often build stronger and healthier relationshipsAhead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, here’s look at some of the most iconic celebrity weddings of all timeWhat would you do? My partner likes every post of a woman he doesn’t know; 5 women on what they did about itOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

The LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when it allegedly lost control, struck the central divider, overturned and rammed into the toll plaza NEW DELHI: Fresh CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment an LPG tanker crashed into a toll plaza before erupting into a massive explosion in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district. The Uttar Pradesh police has also issued a press release detailing the sequence of events that left seven people injured, including five toll plaza employees who suffered critical burn injuries.The incident occurred at around 7am on Friday at the Sihori Toll Plaza under Kokhraj police station limits, about 16 kilometres from the district headquarters.According to police, the LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when it allegedly lost control, struck the central divider, overturned and rammed into the toll plaza. The impact caused LPG to leak from the tanker before a powerful explosion engulfed the vehicle and parts of the toll plaza in flames.The tanker driver and conductor reportedly jumped out moments before the explosion and escaped with their lives.The newly surfaced CCTV footage captures the tanker approaching the toll plaza before veering towards the toll lanes. Moments later, a dense white cloud, believed to be leaking LPG, rapidly spreads around the vehicle and across the toll plaza.For several seconds, the gas cloud continues to expand, reducing visibility around the toll booths. It is then followed by a massive fireball that engulfs the tanker and a section of the toll plaza almost instantly. Thick smoke and towering flames fill the frame as people and vehicles in the vicinity scramble to get away from the blast zone.The footage appears to corroborate the preliminary police account that the explosion occurred after LPG leaked from the overturned tanker.Police detail preliminary findingsAccording to superintendent of police Satyanarayan Prajapat, preliminary information received from toll plaza staff indicates that the collision caused the LPG leak, which subsequently triggered the explosion and fire.He said the District Supply Officer (DSO) and a technical team had been alerted to determine the exact cause of the incident. Authorities added that cooling operations and a technical inspection of the damaged tanker were continuing, while the precise sequence of events remains under investigation.Five critically injured, vehicles reduced to ashesPolice said seven people were injured in the accident.Five victims sustained severe burn injuries and were given initial treatment at the district hospital before being referred to a hospital in Prayagraj because of their critical condition. Two others suffered minor injuries and were discharged after receiving first aid.The fire spread to the toll plaza parking yard, destroying at least 16 motorcycles and two cars belonging to employees.A toll plaza supervisor, identified as Alok Pandey, who was inside a nearby toilet block when the fire spread, also suffered severe burn injuries.Toll plaza employee Sanjay Nirmal said there had been light rainfall about 10 minutes before the accident.”Suddenly the tanker came crashing down. Gas started leaking immediately and within moments the entire area was engulfed in flames,” he said.Eyewitnesses also told police that the tanker driver had allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle before losing control.Huge plumes of black smoke and towering flames were visible from nearly two kilometres away as the blaze rapidly spread to the toll plaza yard and the adjoining toilet block, trapping several employees.Terrified commuters abandoned their vehicles as buses and cars lined up on both sides of the toll plaza, bringing traffic on the highway to a standstill.Fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and began firefighting operations. However, the intensity of the fire initially prevented rescuers from approaching the burning tanker, delaying rescue efforts until the blaze was brought under control.The cause of the crash and the subsequent explosion remains under investigation.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Set For Major Defence Boost As DAC Reviews HAMMER, Verba And MP-ATGM DealsFamily Alleges Indian Seafarer’s Body Returned Without Organs; Embassy Demands InvestigationISRO Bengaluru Campus Searched After Bomb Threat Email; Police Say No Explosives FoundFirst Arrest Made In Bengaluru Daycare Abuse Case After Nationwide OutrageBluetooth Security Flaw In Some E-Rickshaw Batteries Allows Remote Shutdown: ReportsHardeep Singh Puri Busts Ethanol Fuel Myths, Says Mileage Drop Is Minor And Insurance Remains ValidOmar Abdullah Questions Backlash Over India-Pak Talks, Says RSS Favours Dialogue TooUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library Row123PhotostoriesFrom a lush garden to a massive living room and stunning paintings: Inside Smriti Irani’s lavish mansionPsychology says women who find it hard to say ‘No’ often share these 8 personality traitsPsychology says difficult mothers-in-law aren’t always trying to be difficult and it is not personal always; here’s what may really be happeningYour baby is crying and you don’t know why: Here are the 8 common reasons experts want every parent to know5 habits that make you a better lover than almost everyone around you5 snake myths every traveller should stop believing and what nature lover and adventure seeker needs to knowPsychology says men who understand these 10 traits of women often build stronger and healthier relationshipsAhead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, here’s look at some of the most iconic celebrity weddings of all timeWhat would you do? My partner likes every post of a woman he doesn’t know; 5 women on what they did about itOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The LPG tanker was travelling from Kanpur towards Pratapgarh when it allegedly lost control, struck the central divider, overturned and rammed into the toll plaza NEW DELHI: Fresh CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment an LPG tanker crashed into a toll plaza before erupting into a massive explosion in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district. The…

Read More
Jul 03, 2026, 15:55 IST

Jul 03, 2026, 15:55 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Tanya Hemanth (Screengrab) India’s campaign at the Canada Open 2026 came to an end after Aakarshi Kashyap and Tanya Hemanth suffered defeats in the second round of the women’s singles competition at the BWF Super 300 tournament in Markham, Ontario.Aakarshi, ranked world No. 71, put up a strong fight against fourth seed and world No….

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‘They’re best team by a mile’: Pakistan coach calls out India obsession in judging his team

‘They’re best team by a mile’: Pakistan coach calls out India obsession in judging his team

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Hardik Pandya, right, celebrates with teammate Ishan Kishan the wicket of Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, center, during the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo) Pakistan men’s team head coach Mike Hesson has questioned the way his side is judged mainly on its results against…

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Amid 8-hour shift row, Deepika Padukone’s ‘Piku’ co-star Amitabh Bachchan reflects on working 2-3 shifts a day across multiple films’: ‘Fear of losing work drove me, I was always worried’

Amid 8-hour shift row, Deepika Padukone’s ‘Piku’ co-star Amitabh Bachchan reflects on working 2-3 shifts a day across multiple films’: ‘Fear of losing work drove me, I was always worried’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Amid 8-hour shift row, Deepika Padukone’s ‘Piku’ co-star Amitabh Bachchan reflects on working 2-3 shifts a day across multiple films: ‘Fear of losing work drove me, I was always worried’ Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has looked back on one of the busiest phases of his remarkable career, recalling how he often moved from one film…

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