Pune: Hazardous Gas Leak From Chemical Tanker Near Theur Phata; Swift Response Prevents Major Accident
Pune: Hazardous Gas Leak From Chemical Tanker Near Theur Phata; Swift Response Prevents Major Accident
Pune, March 5, 2026: A potentially dangerous situation was brought under control on Wednesday morning after a chemical tanker developed a gas leak near Theur Phata on the Pune–Solapur highway.
According to officials, the incident took place around 10:40 am when the tanker, which was travelling from Solapur towards Pune, lost control and slipped off the road. The vehicle reportedly got stuck in mud along the roadside, and the impact damaged its primary valve. This led to a leak of monomethylamine (MMA), a highly flammable and hazardous gas.
The strong smell of the chemical quickly spread in the surrounding area, creating panic among commuters and residents nearby. Traffic movement on the busy highway stretch was temporarily disrupted as authorities responded to the situation.
A firefighting team from the Wagholi fire station under the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) arrived at the spot soon after receiving the alert. Officials stated that the tanker was carrying monomethylamine at an estimated concentration of around 40 percent, making the situation potentially dangerous if not handled swiftly.
Firefighters immediately began technical operations to control the leakage and reduce further gas emissions. A hydra crane was later used to carefully pull the tanker out of the muddy patch.
Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode said that quick action by emergency teams helped prevent the situation from escalating into a major accident. He added that the presence of a chemical leak had increased the risk, but prompt intervention ensured the area remained safe.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. After the situation was brought under control, traffic movement on the highway resumed normally.
