Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod

Kasargod, Jul 25: A gas leak was reported from a tanker that met with an accident on National Highway near Kanhangad South on July 24. In response, precautionary measures were swiftly implemented, and residents from the surrounding areas were evacuated.

The leak was detected within a radius of around half a kilometre, prompting authorities to issue a safety alert. A team of experts from Mangaluru arrived at the spot and took measures to contain the leak. Once the leakage is fully sealed, the gas will be transferred to another tanker.

The incident occurred on July 24 afternoon when a tanker transporting gas from Bengaluru to Coimbatore overturned while giving way to a bus. The driver, Suresh from Tamil Nadu, sustained injuries in the mishap.

The leak was detected on Friday morning while efforts were underway to lift the overturned vehicle. Despite the efforts of the fire and rescue services and police personnel, the initial attempts to control the leak were unsuccessful. Water was sprayed in the area to minimise the risk of a major disaster. Vehicle movement was diverted via the Kanhangad–Nileshwar route.

As a precaution, schools and government offices between Kanhangad South and Aingoth were declared closed on Friday. Electricity supply was also cut off in the area. Movement of people and vehicles within a one-kilometre radius of the site has been restricted.