CNG Cylinder Leak Halts Traffic on NH-53 Near Nagpur
An emergency response was triggered by a CNG leak from a mini-truck on NH-53, leading to traffic stoppages and evacuations.
A mini-truck leaked CNG on NH-53, causing a 40-minute traffic halt.
No injuries or damage reported; police and specialists managed the situation.
The incident underscores the dangers of transporting compressed gas on busy highways.
On Friday evening, a significant incident occurred on the Nagpur-Bhandara stretch of NH-53 when a mini-truck carrying approximately 1,100 kg of compressed natural gas (CNG) experienced a leak. Authorities swiftly halted traffic for 40 minutes and evacuated nearby shops as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
The mini-truck was transporting around 40 CNG cylinders collected from a facility in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and was en route to Gondkhairi near Nagpur when the leak was detected near Sawali Phata. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shashant Gowda from the Kanhan Division reported that the cylinders were connected via a pipe fitted with taps, one of which became loose, leading to the gas escape. This situation posed a potential risk for a major incident.
Upon noticing the leak, the truck driver promptly notified the police control room, prompting immediate action from police teams from Wadoda and Mouda. Traffic in both directions was halted while repairs were conducted. Inspector Manoj Gadade, overseeing the Wadoda police station, coordinated the response, establishing a cordon around the affected area and implementing barricades to prevent vehicles from approaching.
Shopkeepers in the vicinity of Sawali Phata were instructed to vacate their premises as a safety precaution. The incident highlighted the inherent risks of transporting compressed gas on busy highways, where even minor equipment failures can lead to serious threats for commuters and local residents. To further mitigate risks, electricity supply in the area was temporarily disconnected. Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Mhaske noted that fire brigade personnel and an ambulance were on standby to address any emergencies.
A specialized team from a CNG facility in Mouda arrived to conduct repairs and stop the leakage. Highway patrol personnel were alerted to the situation through Dial 112, and coordination among Mouda and Wadoda police, the Pardi traffic branch, and the highway safety patrol was essential for managing traffic diversions. Once the leak was controlled and the area deemed safe, the truck was relocated, and normal traffic flow was restored.
