Mumbai-Goa Highway Accident: Major Collision Causes Massive LPG Leak, 5-Hour Traffic Blockade, 30 Injured
Mumbai-Goa Highway Accident: Major Collision Causes Massive CNG Leak, 5-Hour Traffic Blockade, 30 Injured
A major accident occurred on the Mumbai-Goa Highway near Bavanadi in Ratnagiri on the morning of Sunday, June 8. A LPG tanker collided with a private mini-bus operated by a travel company. The accident took place around 7:45 AM and led to a significant LPG leak from the tanker, which caught fire and created panic in the surrounding area.
Following the accident, the leaked LPG gas ignited, causing a fire that spread to a nearby house. A rickshaw and two motorcycles parked outside were completely burned, and a buffalo in the premises sustained burns. Fortunately, the residents of the house managed to escape in time, avoiding any loss of life.
Due to the incident, traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway came to a standstill for over five hours. All 30 passengers in the mini-bus were injured and rushed to Ratnagiri District Hospital. The passengers, who included teachers traveling to Ratnagiri for a training program, were severely shaken.
How the Accident Happened:
The CNG tanker was heading towards Mumbai, while the mini-bus was en route to Ratnagiri from Chiplun. Near Bavanadi, the tanker rammed into the bus, causing the driver to lose control. The mini-bus plunged about 20 feet off the road, injuring all onboard.
The tanker fell near a drain, causing a major LPG leak. The gas ignited, and flames spread rapidly, engulfing a nearby house. The fire department, police, and traffic authorities immediately rushed to the scene. By 8:45 AM, efforts to safely remove the remaining LP began, prompting a complete halt of traffic on both sides of the highway.
Traffic Diversions and Administrative Response:
Traffic was diverted via Sangameshwar and Pali routes. Long queues of heavy vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway. Ratnagiri Superintendent of Police Nitin Bagate arrived at the site with his team, and rescue operations were conducted on a war footing in coordination with local authorities
Authorities are working to restore traffic and ensure safety in the area. An investigation is underway.
