A major chemical scare unfolded early Sunday morning in the Tamhini Ghat region near Pune after a tanker carrying hydrochloric acid overturned, releasing toxic fumes and causing widespread eye and throat irritation among travelers. The incident, which occurred near Dongargaon and Dongarwadi village, prompted an immediate emergency response, with local authorities halting traffic and securing the area to prevent further exposure and environmental damage.
The tanker, carrying nearly 28,000 liters of hydrochloric acid, was en route from Mahad to Pune when it lost control and toppled into a roadside trench before 7 a.m. Poor visibility due to heavy fog and a damaged stretch of road are believed to have contributed to the accident. The driver, briefly trapped in the cabin, was rescued by a quick-thinking bus driver following behind and sustained only minor injuries.
As the tanker overturned, a significant portion up to 90% of its contents reportedly leaked into the deep valley beside the road, releasing highly corrosive and toxic fumes. Motorists and passersby in the area soon began complaining of eye and throat irritation, classic symptoms of hydrochloric acid exposure. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, but the risk of chemical exposure led authorities to act swiftly.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Fire Brigade, Mulshi Disaster Management Team, and local police rushed to the scene, securing the area and halting traffic for at least one kilometer on both sides of the accident site. Specialized teams equipped with breathing apparatus waited for chemical experts from the tanker’s parent company to assess and neutralize the situation before moving in.
A crane was deployed to remove the overturned vehicle, and containment and neutralization measures were implemented to prevent further spread of toxic fumes and environmental damage.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to avoid the Tamhini Ghat area until it is declared safe. The incident has also reignited concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous chemicals through ecologically sensitive and fog-prone regions, especially during the monsoon season when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
