Propylene Gas Leak on Mumbai–Pune Expressway: Health Risks, Fire Hazards and Safety Concerns After Tanker Accident Triggers Hours-Long Traffic Jam
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Toll Refund Promised After 32-Hour Gas Tanker Standstill
Thousands were stranded for hours after a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene overturned near the Adoshi tunnel, forcing traffic closures and an emergency response.
Traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway came to a near standstill after a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala Ghat section, triggering panic and precautionary closures that stretched for more than 12 hours.
The accident led to massive congestion on both carriageways as authorities immediately stopped traffic towards Mumbai to prevent any untoward incident. Thousands of commuters were left stranded overnight, with passengers reporting severe discomfort due to lack of food, water and toilet facilities.
Soon after the crash, propylene gas was found leaking from the tanker, prompting emergency measures. Police diverted traffic onto the Pune-bound side for nearly two kilometres, but continuous leakage delayed clearance operations and worsened the jam for vehicles heading towards Pune as well.
Propylene, also known as propene, is widely used in the petrochemical industry and serves as a base chemical for manufacturing numerous consumer and industrial products. Chemicals created from propylene include propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, cumene and acrylic acid, which are used in items such as films, fibres, containers, packaging, and caps and closures.
However, officials warned that the substance is extremely dangerous in an accident setting. “Propylene is extremely flammable and easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames,” reports noted, adding that “containers of propylene can rupture if exposed to fire or intense heat for prolonged periods.”
Because the gas is heavy and can accumulate in enclosed or low-lying areas, authorities treated the spill as a high-risk hazard. Fire from propylene may also produce irritating and toxic gases.
Safety advisories stress immediate precautions in such situations, including storing gas cylinders in cool, well-ventilated areas, keeping them away from sparks, using gas detectors for leaks, and evacuating premises in case of emergency.
Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and BPCL were deployed to manage the situation, with officials saying operations could continue until late evening before normal traffic movement is restored. Highway traffic police urged motorists to avoid the expressway until the route is fully cleared.
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness only; in case of chemical exposure or emergencies, follow official safety instructions and seek medical help immediately.
