The traffic on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway was diverted after a highly inflammable gas leak following an accident involving a tanker was reported along the route near Adoshi tunnel at the Borghat stretch, officials said.
Considering the volatile nature of the gas, traffic on the Mumbai-bound corridor was stopped as a precautionary measure by the Highway Security Police.
According to the officials, to manage and prevent congestion, authorities later opened one lane of the Pune-bound corridor for vehicles heading towards Mumbai around 7.30 pm, while vehicles travelling towards Pune were allowed to use the remaining two lanes after shifting the median barrier.
Light vehicles heading towards Mumbai were diverted at km 42/400, near Magic Point, via the old Khopoli highway.
Traffic diversions were implemented under the supervision of the Highway Security Patrol team, officials said.
Volatile gas leak forces shutdown of Mumbai-bound corridor
A chemical gas tanker heading from Pune to Mumbai overturned on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway on Tuesday evening, forcing authorities to halt traffic for hours due to a hazardous gas leak.
The accident occurred around 5 pm on Tuesday, near the Adoshi tunnel in the Borghat stretch.
The officials said the tanker was carrying propylene gas, a highly inflammable substance. Following the mishap, the tanker sustained damage at three valve points, leading to gas leakage.
Emergency services rushed to the spot
After receiving alerts from patrolling teams, emergency response resources, including quick response vehicles, ambulances, fire-fighting equipment, Delta Force personnel and heavy machinery, were immediately deployed at the site.
Additional fire tenders from Tata Steel and the Khopoli Municipal Council were also pressed into service.
