Pune: Know How Disaster Was Averted As Overturned Tanker Carrying Ethylene Oxide Removed After 16 Hours
Viman Nagar, 27th November 2023: A critical incident occurred around 1 am, when a gas tanker overturned on Pune-Ahmednagar Road near Hyatt Hotel, causing a substantial air leak. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, prompt assistance was dispatched to the scene by the Pune Fire Brigade.
Upon arrival, responders discovered a significant gas leak from the overturned tanker, identified as ethylene oxide—a flammable and hazardous substance soluble in water. Responding with urgency, firefighters immediately initiated continuous water spraying on the tanker from all sides to mitigate the risk of fire or explosion. Simultaneously, nearby establishments, buildings, and residents were alerted to the potential danger as the gas causes respiratory problems.
The tanker, bearing registration number MH 04 FJ 7245 and transporting 8 tonnes of ethylene oxide at 5.5 bar pressure from Reliance Petrochemicals Company in Nagathane, Mumbai, to Balaji Company in Dharashiv (Osmanabad), belonged to Balaji Road Services Transport Company. After the incident, Reliance Petrochemicals and Balaji Company were promptly informed through the control room, requesting immediate assistance.
Milind Kulkarni, an expert safety officer from Reliance Petrochemicals, reached the site around 6 am, coordinating efforts to bring in nitrogen and cranes. Two cranes from Bhairavanath company and a tempo carrying 15 tons of nitrogen (15 cylinders) arrived around 1 pm. The team efficiently raised the overturned tanker with the cranes and transferred the air from the damaged tanker to another using nitrogen pressure. Meanwhile, firefighters continuously sprayed water on the tanker to mitigate potential risks. The entire operation spanned about sixteen hours, and the Pune Fire Brigade received appreciation for their well-coordinated efforts.
A total of 10 vehicles, including the Pune Municipal Fire Brigade, PMRDA Fire Brigade, and MIDC, responded to the scene. Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potfode, six fire officers, and approximately 70 to 80 personnel demonstrated exemplary performance.
Amid a challenging circumstance, Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode expressed, “It was a hostile situation, considering ethylene oxide’s highly flammable nature, and the danger was very high. The officers and jawans of the force handled the situation well, averting a major accident in the city. We appreciate the great cooperation extended by Reliance Petrochemicals officers and employees, the police, the transport department, and citizens.”
