Tanker overturns on Pune-Ahmednagar road: ‘Quick response, inter-agency cooperation key to deal with emergencies’

Speaking to Express from the incident spot where he led the operation, Potphode said, “The incident related to every hazardous material (hazmat) has a set procedure that needs to be followed by the emergency response agency which reaches the location. The standard operating procedures are different for different categories of materials. While it is challenging for one response agency to be prepared for a wide range of chemicals, agencies can keep upgrading their knowledge base and preparedness to be ready for such scenarios.”

While quick response is the key, it is also important that all stakeholder agencies join hands for response, he said.

The truck that toppled in front of two luxury hotels on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway on Monday. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

“Fire departments, police, traffic police, civic bodies, district administration–all have crucial roles to play such as handling of the incident, traffic and crowd control, resource management, cordoning the area etc. In some scenarios, irrigation departments, private entities, industrial units, and industry clusters can play crucial roles. Setting up command and control rooms can also prove to be beneficial,” said Potphode.

Stating that the fire department has made strides in enhancing emergency response capabilities in Pune, the Chief Fire Officer said, “It’s important to acknowledge that there are areas where we can further strengthen our preparedness for incidents involving hazardous materials. As the fire chief, my team and I are dedicated to continuous improvement and are actively working on initiatives to bolster our response mechanisms.”

Listing out what all measures they are taking to enhance their preparedness for an emergency situation, Potphode said, “We are in the process of implementing additional training programs and acquiring advanced equipment to ensure that our firefighters are well-equipped and prepared to handle any situation. Collaborative efforts with relevant agencies are underway to enhance coordination and communication during emergencies. By addressing these areas for improvement, we aim to reinforce our city’s resilience and ensure a safer environment for all. We appreciate the support of the community and stakeholders in this ongoing journey to make Pune better prepared for any unforeseen events.”