Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A mishap similar to the Jaipur tragedy that claimed 19 innocent lives last month was narrowly averted on the Bypass on Sunday evening after a tanker carrying an aqueous ammonia solution en route to Gwalior from Pithampur began leaking. Aqueous ammonia solution is both poisonous and flammable in nature.
A large police force, along with the fire brigade, ambulances and the district administration team, rushed to the spot and timely preventive action averted any large-scale untoward incident. Police cordoned off an area of 200-300 meters around the spot and diverted traffic to prevent mishaps or casualties.
The firefighters sprayed water on the tanker to stop the gas leakage. People, who experienced itching or respiratory issues after inhaling the leaked gas, were immediately sent to nearby hospitals and trauma centers. Additional DCP Alok Kumar Sharma said that the incident occurred around 4 pm near Sage University on Bypass Road. The tanker driver noticed the leak and fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle.
Passersby informed the police, reporting the smell of gas and the leakage. Officials contacted the tanker’s company, Hari Prabhu Gas Refrigeration Limited, which dispatched a team of technicians to the site. The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) team cleaned the tanker after it was emptied and sent it to the police station. Traffic was reopened to the public after three hours of effort, around 7 pm.
Reason not know yet
Additional DCP Sharma further said that the reason behind the leakage has not been ascertained yet whether it was a technical fault or it occurred due to a road accident. The driver of the tanker is at large and police are searching for him after which the entire story will be clear. Prohibitory action will be taken against the driver if he is found guilty of negligence.
NDRF team rushed
DCP Zone-1 Vinod Kumar Meena said that the district administration sent an expert team and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team. Nearby hospitals were put on high alert as the ammonia solution posed risks of itching and respiratory distress. The leaked solution contained 20% ammonia and 80% water, making it a highly diluted mixture. The IMC team successfully contained the spilled solution, ensuring public safety.
Ammonia
-----Ammonia is a toxic gas composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms.
-----It is naturally found in small quantities but is produced in large amounts through industrial processes
----Ammonia is used to manufacture fertilisers, in refrigeration systems and cleaning products
----Exposure to ammonia leaks can cause suffocation
----High levels of exposure may result in irritation of the throat, nose and respiratory issues, which can be fatal in severe cases
ACP among 15 cops under observation at Choithram Hospital
A total of 15 police officers, including ACP Rubina Mizwani, are under observation at Choithram Hospital. Dr Anil Lakhwani, deputy director, Choithram Hospital said that none of the officers are currently experiencing any symptoms or health issues. However, as a preventive measure, they have been placed under observation to ensure their safety and well-being.
The admitted officers are ACP Rubina Mizwani, Sub-inspector Praveen Jadav, SI Kishor Kumar, ASI Manohar Solanki, ASI Roshan Bhuriya, ASI Ramesh Kirade, ASI Mahesh Shrivastava, ASI Vinod Chowdhary, Head constables Balram Chauhan, Ajay Singh Chauhan, Nilesh Suralkar, Shivnarayan Jaghale, constables Manohar Gehlod, Birbal Rawat and FRV driver Rohit tiwari.