Pune Fire Brigade Successfully Controls Gas Leak from Overturned Tanker in 16-Hour Operation on Nagar Road
In a swift and effective response to a potential disaster, the Pune Fire Brigade successfully managed a hazardous situation caused by an overturned gas tanker on Nagar Road.
The incident occurred at Vadgaon Sheri Chowk on Sunday at 12:47 am, prompting a 16-hour-long operation to avert a potential gas leakage disaster.
Upon arriving at the scene, Pune Fire Brigade officials quickly assessed the situation. The overturned tanker, belonging to the Balaji Road Services Transport Company, with registration MH04 FJ 7245, was transporting eight tonnes of ethylene oxide under a pressure of 5.5 bar from Reliance Petrochemicals in Nagothane, Mumbai, to Balaji Company in Osmanabad.
Realizing the imminent danger posed by the leaking gas, the firefighting personnel took immediate action. Recognizing the flammable and dangerous nature of the gas, which is soluble in water, they initiated a strategic water-spraying operation from all sides of the tanker to prevent any fire or explosion. Nearby establishments, including hotels and buildings, were promptly alerted to the potential risks.
Following the incident, control room notifications were sent to Reliance Petrochemicals and Balaji Company, urging urgent assistance. Bhairavnath Company responded by dispatching two 15-tonne cranes and a tempo carrying 15 cylinders of nitrogen around 1 pm. The team efficiently lifted the overturned tanker within an hour and transferred the gas to another tanker using nitrogen pressure.
Throughout the operation, fire brigade personnel persistently sprayed water on the tanker to mitigate the risk of fire or explosion. The diligence of the firefighting team, comprising six fire officers and around 70 to 80 personnel, ensured the successful containment of the situation.
Despite the added challenge of rain, the officers and personnel effectively managed the presence of ethylene oxide, a highly flammable substance. The cooperation of various stakeholders, including officers, employees of Reliance Petrochemicals, police, transport department, and citizens, was crucial in preventing a major accident in the city.
The entire operation, carried out under the supervision of Main Fire Officer Chief Devendra Potphode, lasted approximately 16 hours, showcasing the dedication and coordinated efforts of the emergency response teams involved.
Madhupriya Dhanwate
