The lorry was proceeding from Ernakulam to Calicut airport when the driver lost control of the vehicle at a curve in Tanur at around 4.15 AM and it overturned, rupturing its tank.
The aviation fuel immediately began leaking out. Five units of fire fighters were pressed into service and locals were evacuated from the spot, police said.
The spilled out fuel triggered a minor explosion but no one was injured as people in the vicinity were moved to safety, police said.
The fuel found its way to a nearby canal, which caught fire. However, rescue personnel soon brought the blaze under control.
Later Indian Oil Corporation officials arrived here and took steps to stop further leak, police said.