4 dead, three injured as chemical-laden tanker explodes on Pune-Mumbai Expressway

Four killed, three injured in tanker fire on Pune-Mumbai Expressway

A tragic accident occurred on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, when a tanker carrying inflammable chemicals overturned and caught fire, killing four people and injuring three others. The incident happened around noon on an overbridge near Kude village in Lonavala, causing a massive traffic jam on both sides of the expressway.

According to the police, the tanker was heading towards Mumbai from Pune when it hit a rock and toppled over. The spilled chemicals ignited a fire that engulfed the tanker and spread to the road underneath the bridge, where several vehicles were passing by. Four people, including the driver and cleaner of the tanker, died on the spot while three others sustained severe burn injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The fire brigade teams from Lonavala and Khopoli municipal corporations, along with the personnel from Pune Disaster Management Cell, Expressway Police and INS Shivaji, reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. It took them several hours to douse the flames and clear the debris. The expressway was reopened for traffic around 4 pm after the authorities ensured that there was no risk of further explosion or leakage.

The police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the cause of the accident. They have also appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the expressway and follow the safety guidelines while driving.

This is not the first time that such a mishap has occurred on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, which is one of the busiest highways in India. In the past, there have been several incidents of tanker fires, collisions and landslides that have claimed many lives and disrupted traffic. The authorities have been trying to improve the infrastructure and security of the expressway, but there is still a need for more vigilance and awareness among the drivers and commuters.

 How to drive safely on expressways

The Pune-Mumbai Expressway is one of the many expressways in India that offer a faster and smoother travel experience for motorists. However, driving on expressways also requires more caution and skill than driving on regular roads. Expressways are high-speed roads with multiple lanes and minimal interruptions. They also have different rules and regulations that drivers must follow to ensure safety and efficiency.

Here are some tips for safe driving on expressways:

- **Plan your route ahead**: Before you start your journey, check the map and directions of your destination. Know which exit you need to take and how far it is from your starting point. Avoid changing lanes or directions at the last minute, as this can cause confusion and accidents.
- **Follow the speed limit**: Speed limits are set for your safety and that of others on the road. They also help maintain a smooth flow of traffic and reduce congestion. Do not drive too fast or too slow, as this can increase your chance of being in a collision. Adjust your speed according to the road conditions, weather, traffic and visibility.
- **Keep a safe distance**: Maintain a safe gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will give you enough time and space to react in case of sudden braking or emergency. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 3-second rule: pick a fixed point on the road ahead, such as a sign or a tree, and count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" as the vehicle in front of you passes it. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are too close and need to slow down.
- **Change lanes carefully**: Changing lanes is one of the most important and risky maneuvers on expressways. You need to be aware of the speed and position of other vehicles around you, especially those in your blind spots. Before changing lanes, signal your intention, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder. Make sure there is a safe gap and no one else is trying to move into the same lane. Do not cut off or tailgate other drivers.
- **Use caution in work zones**: Work zones are areas where road construction or maintenance is taking place. They may have reduced speed limits, lane closures, detours, uneven surfaces or workers and equipment on the road. Pay attention to the signs and signals in work zones and follow them carefully. Slow down, stay alert and be patient. Do not use your phone or any other distraction in work zones.
- **Make frequent stops**: Driving for long hours can be tiring and stressful. It can affect your concentration, reaction time and judgment. To avoid fatigue and boredom, make frequent stops along the way. Stretch your legs, have a snack, drink some water or take a nap if you feel sleepy. Do not drive if you are impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication.

Driving on expressways can be a convenient and enjoyable way to travel long distances. However, it also requires more responsibility and skill from drivers. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and smooth journey for yourself and others on the road.

Benefits of expressways in India

Expressways are the highest class of roads in India that offer a faster and smoother travel experience for motorists. They are controlled-access highways with multiple lanes and minimal interruptions. They also have different rules and regulations that drivers must follow to ensure safety and efficiency.

Expressways have many benefits for the economy, society and environment of India. Some of these benefits are:

- **Faster acceleration**: Expressways allow vehicles to travel at higher speeds than regular roads, reducing travel time and increasing productivity. They also reduce congestion and delays on other roads by diverting traffic to expressways.
- **Increased safety**: Expressways are designed with high standards of engineering and safety features, such as guardrails, medians, lighting, signage and emergency services. They also have separate lanes for overtaking and exiting, reducing the risk of collisions and accidents.
- **Comfort and convenience**: Expressways provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience for drivers and passengers, as they do not have to deal with traffic signals, intersections, speed breakers or potholes. They also have facilities such as rest areas, fuel stations, food courts and toll plazas along the way.
- **Lower vehicle running costs**: Expressways reduce the wear and tear of vehicles by providing a smooth and even surface for driving. They also improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles by allowing them to maintain a steady speed without frequent braking or accelerating.
- **Economic growth**: Expressways boost the economic growth of India by improving the connectivity and accessibility of various regions, markets and industries. They facilitate the movement of goods and services across the country, enhancing trade and commerce. They also create employment opportunities for construction, maintenance and operation of expressways.
- **Social inclusion and empowerment**: Expressways promote social inclusion and empowerment by connecting remote and rural areas with urban centres, improving their access to education, health care, employment and other opportunities. They also foster cultural exchange and integration among different communities and regions.
- **Environmental conservation**: Expressways contribute to environmental conservation by reducing air pollution, noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. They also use green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and waste management systems to minimize their environmental impact.

Expressways are the highways to multi-sector development in India. They are a key component of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, the Centre’s umbrella project for the highways sector, which aims to connect more than 600 districts covering 25,000 km in Phase-1. Some of the major expressways under this project are the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the Delhi-Katra Expressway, the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway and the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway.

These expressways not only reduce the travel time but also impact the economy. As Peter Mackie, Daniel Graham and James Laird in their essay ‘The direct and wider impact of transport projects: a review’ say, ‘time savings are the base metal of the system, but the impact on GDP is the gold.’

Source: 

(1) 4 dead, three injured as chemical-laden tanker explodes on Pune-Mumbai Expressway; road cleared. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/top-stories/4-dead--three-injured-as-chemical-laden-tanker-explodes-on-pune-mumbai-expressway--road-cleared.html.
(2) 4 Dead, 3 Injured As Chemical-Laden Tanker Explodes On Pune-Mumbai Expressway. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-dead-3-injured-as-chemical-laden-tanker-explodes-on-pune-mumbai-expressway-4117363.
(3) Massive fire on Pune-Mumbai Expressway: 3 dead, 2 injured as tanker goes up in flames. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/big-fire-on-pune-mumbai-expressway-3-dead-2-injured-as-tanker-goes-up-in-flames/articleshow/100961870.cms.
(4) 4 dead as oil tanker overturns on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, triggering fire. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/oil-tanker-overturns-pune-mumbai-expressway-fire-8660484/.
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