Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 17: An LPG tanker transporting cooking gas created tense moments on the national highway near Katapady in Udupi district after it overturned and began leaking gas on March 16, prompting authorities to suspend traffic as a precautionary safety measure.
The incident occurred when the tanker, which was carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), lost control and overturned on the highway while travelling towards Udupi. Soon after the accident, a gas leak was noticed from the tanker, raising fears of a possible fire or explosion. Considering the potential danger, police immediately halted vehicular movement on the busy highway and diverted traffic to alternate routes.
On receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services Department rushed to the spot along with police officials and other concerned authorities. Safety measures were immediately put in place and the area around the tanker was cordoned off to prevent any untoward incident.
A large-scale rescue and containment operation was launched to safely manage the leaking LPG. Fire service personnel worked continuously to ensure that the gas did not ignite and that the situation remained under control. The operation continued for nearly 16 hours as officials carefully planned the safe transfer of the gas from the damaged tanker.
As part of the rescue effort, two Bharat Gas tankers were brought from Mangaluru to facilitate the transfer of LPG from the overturned vehicle. The gas was gradually and safely shifted to the replacement tankers under strict safety protocols.
The operation, which involved coordinated efforts from multiple departments, was finally completed successfully at around 1 am past midnight. With the gas safely transferred and the risk eliminated, authorities cleared the accident site and restored normal traffic movement on the national highway.
The incident caused temporary inconvenience to commuters due to the suspension of traffic for several hours.
Following the completion of the operation, traffic on the national highway was restored.