Koderma, September 05, 2026: A tanker carrying refined oil overturned on the Ranchi–Patna main road in Koderma Valley on Saturday morning, leaving the driver trapped inside the cabin and triggering a rush among nearby villagers to collect oil leaking from the damaged vehicle.
The incident occurred near Meghatari Kali Mandap under Koderma police station limits. Instead of focusing solely on the rescue, a large number of people gathered around the tanker and began collecting the leaking oil in plastic containers, buckets and household utensils.
The activity continued for around half an hour before a police patrol team reached the spot. The people collecting the oil reportedly fled after seeing the police.
Driver rescued by villagers
According to tanker driver Sukh Nain Singh, the vehicle was travelling from Haldia to Bihar when the accident occurred.
He said that near the downhill curve close to Kali Mandap, a truck approaching from behind attempted to overtake the tanker. While trying to avoid the truck, he lost control of the vehicle, causing the tanker to overturn on the roadside.
The driver became trapped inside the cabin following the accident. Some villagers who reached the spot managed to pull him out and helped save his life.
Oil collected in buckets and household containers
Soon after the driver was rescued, more people gathered at the site and began collecting the refined oil flowing from the overturned tanker.
According to eyewitnesses, villagers brought plastic containers, buckets and steel and aluminium utensils from their homes to collect the oil. Passers-by also stopped on the road to watch the scene.
The injured driver reportedly remained at the spot as people continued taking oil and other material from around the damaged tanker.
Police begin investigation
The source said police were informed about the accident, but the Koderma police station patrol team reached the location about half an hour later. By the time officers arrived, people collecting the oil had dispersed.
Police took the damaged tanker into their custody and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
