Pune: Chemical Gas Leak Scare Near Theur Phata Averted by Swift PMRDA Fire Brigade Response
Theur Phata, 5th March 2026: Panic gripped commuters on the busy Pune–Solapur highway on Wednesday morning after a tanker carrying a highly flammable chemical developed a gas leak near Theur Phata. The potentially hazardous situation was brought under control swiftly by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) fire brigade, preventing what officials said could have turned into a major accident.
The incident occurred around 10:40 am when the tanker, travelling from Solapur towards Pune, reportedly lost control and veered off the road near Theur Phata. The vehicle slipped into a muddy patch along the roadside and got stuck, damaging its primary valve on impact.
The damage caused a leak of monomethylamine (MMA), a highly flammable and hazardous chemical gas. Soon after the leak began, a strong chemical odour spread in the surrounding area, triggering concern among motorists and nearby residents. Traffic movement on the busy highway stretch was temporarily disrupted as authorities rushed to respond.
Upon receiving the alert, a team from the Wagholi Fire Station of the PMRDA fire brigade immediately rushed to the spot. Officials said the tanker was carrying monomethylamine at an estimated concentration of around 40 per cent, which made the situation particularly dangerous if the leak had continued unchecked.
Firefighters launched a carefully coordinated operation to control the leakage and minimise further gas emissions. Using specialised safety procedures, the team managed to contain the leak and secure the tanker. Later, a hydra crane was deployed to pull the vehicle safely out of the muddy roadside area and move it away from the highway.
PMRDA Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode said that the prompt response of the fire brigade prevented the situation from escalating into a serious chemical accident.
“The tanker was carrying a flammable chemical, which increased the risk. However, the quick and coordinated action of the firefighting team ensured the leak was contained in time and the situation remained under control,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. After the tanker was secured and the leak brought under control, traffic on the Pune–Solapur highway resumed normal movement.
The swift and courageous response of the PMRDA firefighting personnel has drawn appreciation, with officials noting that their timely intervention helped avert a potentially major disaster on one of the region’s busiest highway stretches.
