One person died and 11 others sustained severe burns when a petrol tanker caught fire after it overturned at Mettur in Chittamur mandal on Monday.
However, unconfirmed reports put the toll at three, with two of the victims succumbing to burns.
The tanker, carrying petrol from Naidupeta, was on its way to Vidyanagar in the district.
According to information reaching here, the tanker overturned due to negligent driving, resulting in petrol pouring out. Some nearby villagers rushed to collect petrol in cans, leading to a melee. Even as the villagers were jostling with one another, the tanker burst into flames.
One person was burnt to death and another sustained 90 percent burns.Ten others received 25-40 degree burns, while many saved themselves by making a quick retreat. The injured are being shifted to hospitals at Naidupeta and Tirupati, when reports last came in.
It suspected that the petrol was meant for sale in the blackmarket as fuel outlets started shutting down by evening from Monday, demanding more commission. Police who rushed to the spot cordoned off the entire area.