Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Propylene leak halts traffic, hundreds stranded
A tanker carrying flammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, sparking a massive traffic jam.
The accident happened around 5pm when the tanker lost control on a slope and leaked gas, forcing both sides of the highway to shut down.
Rescue teams on site to contain leak
Rescue teams rushed in to contain the leak while police stopped all Mumbai-bound traffic and diverted Mumbai-bound traffic onto the Pune-bound carriageway for about a 2-km stretch.
Hundreds of people, including families with kids, spent the night stranded without food or water.
Safety distance of propylene is about 330 feet
Propylene is highly flammable and needs serious safety distance—about 330 feet.
This incident really highlights how risky it can be moving hazardous materials on busy highways that so many people rely on every day.
Crews were working to contain the leak, but it's a reminder of how quickly travel plans (and safety) can get upended.