The closed national highway caved in at many places near Lohagate of Ramagarh district. The flames and smoke are still visible in the area. Efforts of the Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) to extinguish the fire failed.

The fire has spread to new areas and poses a threat to around 50 families living around the national highway.

'We have been asked to vacate our houses immediately. Where should we shift? The district administration and CCL should make alternative arrangements for us,' said Kiran Devi, who lives in Kuju village close to the closed national highway.

NH 33 is the lifeline of Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma and Patna. Everyday around 30,000 light and heavy vehicles pass through it.

The road being used now to move to and from Ranchi and Patna has added 70 km to the distance between the cities.