An LPG tanker carrying 20 metric tonnes of Liquid Petroleum Gas overturned on the Avinashi flyover in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, during the early hours of January 3. The tanker, en route from the Kochi Bharat Petroleum Plant to a storage facility in Coimbatore, caused a gas leak upon overturning. Emergency operations brought the leak under control after several hours.
The incident prompted swift action by local authorities. Five schools in the vicinity were closed as a precaution, and residents within a one-kilometer radius of the accident site were evacuated to ensure safety. The Avinashi flyover was closed to traffic, with vehicles being rerouted to alternative routes.
LPG Tanker Overturns, Preventing Major Disaster
Officials noted that the absence of overhead power lines on the Avinashi flyover helped avert a potentially catastrophic situation. The overturned tanker posed a significant risk to the densely populated area, but specialized equipment brought from Tiruchy facilitated the safe removal of the vehicle.
The driver of the tanker sustained minor injuries and is currently under medical observation. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident to determine any negligence or mechanical issues that may have contributed to the incident.
This accident has drawn comparisons to a similar LPG tanker incident on December 20 on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, where an overturned tanker caught fire, resulting in a blast that killed 19 people and injured dozens. The fire destroyed 37 vehicles and caused widespread environmental damage, including dense smoke that affected residents.
Recent History Of Similar Incidents
This is not the first LPG-related accident in Coimbatore. Just ten days before this incident, another truck carrying LPG cylinders overturned in Kanuvai, though no casualties were reported. In that case, police attributed the accident to poor vehicle maintenance, raising questions about safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials.
Friday’s incident underscores the recurring risks associated with transporting flammable substances like LPG. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to ensure better safety measures and stricter vehicle maintenance regulations.
Impact On Local Residents And Precautionary Measures
The gas leak from the overturned LPG tanker posed immediate health and safety concerns for residents in the area. As a precaution, evacuation orders were issued for people living within a one-kilometer radius of the accident site. Schools were closed to safeguard children, and emergency response teams were deployed to contain the situation.
The Avinashi flyover remains closed, with local authorities urging commuters to use alternative routes. Traffic diversions are expected to continue until the area is fully secured and declared safe.
Efforts To Secure The Area And Lessons Learned
Authorities have deployed specialized teams to ensure the safe removal of the tanker and to inspect the site for any lingering risks. Emergency services are working round the clock to prevent secondary hazards and to restore normalcy in the affected area.
The incident has sparked a renewed call for stricter safety measures in transporting hazardous materials. It also highlights the need for better infrastructure planning, including designated routes for vehicles carrying flammable substances, to mitigate risks in densely populated areas.
As Coimbatore recovers from the impact of this accident, the focus remains on preventing such incidents in the future through improved safety protocols, rigorous vehicle inspections, and enhanced emergency response mechanisms.