Maharashtra: Chemical Tanker Accident On Pune-Mumbai Expressway Claims Four Lives In Massive Blaze

A chemical tanker accident on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway resulted in a massive fire that claimed four lives.

The massive blaze due to the chemical tanker accident on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra. (Image has been blurred to hide graphic content.)

In a devastating incident on Tuesday, a tanker carrying chemicals erupted in flames and exploded on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra, resulting in four fatalities and three injuries.

The accident occurred on the expressway segment, connecting Lonavala and Khandala, reported news agency PTI. Following a collision, the tanker caught fire and subsequently exploded, leading to the release of fiery chemical particles onto the motorists below, causing further harm, stated an official.

Among those injured were four motorists. Additionally, one occupant of the tanker lost their lives, while two others in the vehicle sustained injuries, shared an official from the Lonavala police station.

According to Hindustan Times, there were three people in the tanker. The driver of the tanker is in a critical condition. One of the injured has been identified as Chandrakant Gurav. The injured are undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Pavana Hospital in Talegaon Dabhade.

Three of the deceased have been identified as Savita Kailas Vare (35), Kushal Kailas Vare (9) and Ritesh Mahadu Koshire (17). The three victims live in Maval tehsil.

Expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives, Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the state's Home Minister, referred to the incident as "unfortunate" and extended his condolences.

Further details revealed that three additional individuals were injured in the accident and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Fadnavis expressed his hopes for their speedy recovery through a social media statement.

Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with the state police, highway police, personnel from INS Shivaji, and the fire brigade working together to bring the fire under control. Presently, traffic has resumed on one side of the highway, while the reopening of the other side is imminent. The state government is closely monitoring the situation, added Fadnavis.