Guava Wood Plug Saves Thousands in Mumbai-Pune Expressway Propylene Tanker Crisis
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Toll Refund: Rs5.2 Crore to Be Refunded to 1.2 Lakh Motorists After Gas Tanker Accident
Pune, February 12, 2026: What appeared to be a routine traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway turned into a life-threatening situation after a 22-ton propylene gas tanker overturned near Adoshi Ghat. The tanker’s main valve broke, leading to a dangerous gas leak that could have triggered a massive explosion across a 10-kilometer radius.
Experts on the rescue team acted quickly, using a simple wooden plug made from guava wood to stop the leak. The flexible and soft nature of the wood allowed it to expand in the extremely cold propylene gas, which was at -20 to -23°C, effectively sealing the valve. Rescue officials noted that using metal tools would have been too risky, as even a small spark could have caused a catastrophic explosion.
The tanker’s gas was subsequently transferred to another vehicle in a painstaking 36-hour operation. The risk was heightened because major fuel pipelines ran close to the accident site. Officials praised the bravery and skill of the rescue personnel, explaining that any direct attempt to stop the leak by hand could have caused severe cold burns or permanent injury.
Had it not been for the quick thinking and the ingenious use of guava wood, the overturned tanker could have destroyed the surrounding ghat area, putting thousands of travelers at risk. Social media and administrative circles have since lauded both the innovative solution and the courage displayed by the rescue team.
