4 dead, 3 critically injured as methanol tanker overturns on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, triggers fire

As the entire tanker was engulfed in flames, both sides of the expressway were closed for traffic by the Highway Safety Patrol authorities between 11.40 am and 12.40 pm. Small vehicles were diverted via the Khandala exit, officials said.

Emergency response teams from Pune Rural police, Highway Safety Patrol, Expressway emergency response body, Pune Disaster Management Cell, fire brigades from Lonavala and Khopoli municipal councils and those from the Indian Navy’s Lonavala-based training facility INS Shivaji launched a relief operation.

#Maharashtra | Four people were killed and three critically injuried after a tanker carrying methanol overturned on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Lonavala.

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— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) June 14, 2023

Inspector Sitaram Dubal, in-charge of Lonavala police station, said, “We initially thought that it was an oil tanker. The probe has now revealed that it was carrying methanol. Of the four people who died, one was in the tanker cabin and the rest were in vehicles passing below the bridge. Of the three injured, two were in the tanker cabin and one was on a vehicle below.”

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Ankit Goyal said, “Primary probe suggests the methanol may have leaked from the gaps on the structure of the bridge’s surface or the side walls. The identities of the deceased and injured are being ascertained. All have suffered severe burn injuries.”

“Our initial priority has been to ensure evacuation and emergency medical care and resuming traffic on the expressway,” he added. Officials said the fire, which was initially brought under control, intensified later before it was controlled again.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lonavala) Satya Sai Kartik said, “The Highway Patrol resumed traffic on the Mumbai to Pune lane an hour after the accident. Traffic on the Pune to Mumbai lane will resume after the tanker is taken off the highway.”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet, “My heartfelt tribute to the four persons who have died in the tragic accident. Three people were injured in this incident and they are undergoing treatment in the hospital. I pray for their speedy recovery.”

“Emergency response teams from the state police force, highway patrol, INS Shivaji, fire brigade are at the spot and now the fire is under control. Traffic has been restored on one side, and the other side will also start soon. The state government is closely monitoring the situation,” he added.