Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco

Vasco, Dec 18: Panic gripped residents and motorists at Alto-Dabolim on Wednesday morning after a leakage was reported in an underground natural gas pipeline operated by IndianOil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL). The incident occurred around 9.50 am during excavation work for a service road linked to a flyover project.

According to Vasco fire and emergency services, the leakage took place when a JCB machine deployed by a contractor of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accidentally damaged the underground pipeline opposite the naval armament depot at Alto-Dabolim.

Fire personnel rushed to the spot after people in the area noticed a strong and unpleasant smell of gas, triggering concern over possible danger to life and property.

A fire official said the pipeline was immediately shut down by IOAGPL authorities as a precautionary measure. “Though the underground natural gas pipeline developed a leakage during excavation by the JCB, the contractor had pre-informed the gas authorities about the work. Considering the risk factor, the pipeline was shut down and the leakage was promptly plugged,” the official said.

No injuries or major damage were reported, and the situation was brought under control swiftly, preventing any untoward incident.

When contacted, IOAGPL official Sulabh Mehta declined to comment on the incident, stating, “I am not authorised to share details, as a third party was involved in damaging the underground pipeline.”