Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Mar 5: An LPG tanker belonging to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) that overturned on the busy NH66 at Paddi in South Goa was finally towed away on Wednesday morning after an 18-hour-long rescue operation that severely disrupted traffic and raised concerns over the State’s disaster preparedness.

While vehicular movement between Canacona and Cuncolim was restored by 7 am on Wednesday, the tanker itself was removed only around 10.30 am, underscoring the prolonged nature of the operation.

The tanker turned turtle at about 1.15 pm on Tuesday. As a precautionary measure, traffic on NH66 was diverted via Canacona and Balli by 2 pm after one of the tanker’s valves developed a gas leak. From 2 pm Tuesday until 7 am Wednesday, police diverted all incoming and outgoing traffic at Canacona and Balli, causing widespread inconvenience to motorists.

The delay in restoring normalcy was largely attributed to the absence of a locally stationed Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). HPCL officials had to requisition an ERV from Mangaluru to safely transfer LPG from the damaged tanker. The vehicle reportedly reached Paddi around 10 pm — nearly five hours after being called in. The transfer operation continued overnight and was completed around 6.30 am on Wednesday.

Heavy-duty cranes were also brought in from Karwar to assist in the recovery, further adding to the time taken.

Officials acknowledged that the lack of a dedicated ERV in Goa significantly slowed the response. “Had an ERV been stationed in Goa, the LPG transfer could have been completed within a couple of hours. Instead, it took over five hours for the vehicle from Mangaluru to arrive,” a senior official said.

Authorities stated that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for State and district disaster management agencies to strengthen off-site emergency plans and enhance hazardous material response capabilities. Oil companies have been urged to station a dedicated ERV in Goa, which could also cater to neighbouring Karwar during emergencies.

“Had this incident occurred in a densely populated market area like Balli, Cuncolim, Chinchinim or Navelim, the delay in mobilising an ERV could have led to a major disaster,” the official added.

Senior police officers who rushed to the spot reiterated the need for oil companies to position a dedicated ERV within the State. Meanwhile, the Cuncolim police have initiated an investigation into the incident and are examining whether any offence will be registered.

The Paddi tanker mishap has thus spotlighted critical gaps in emergency preparedness along the vital NH66 corridor, prompting renewed calls for improved infrastructure and faster response mechanisms to handle hazardous material incidents.