Alappuzha: Though a fully-loaded LPG bullet tanker overturned on the National Highway at Harippad near here in the wee hours, a major tragedy was averted as the gas did not leak out.
Though a quick response team from the Indian Oil Corporation attempted to transfer LPG from the overturned tanker to substitutes, it could not succeed as the required equipment had not reached the accident site. Officials said equipment was being rushed to the spot and the gas transfer operations would resume on Thursday morning.
This is the second instance of LPG bullet tanker overturning in the state within a space of 15 days. A LPG tanker met with an accident near Kalliyasseri in Kannur on January 14 causing huge fire and panic in the area.
Earlier as a precautionary measure, the local people were asked to leave their homes and power supply to the area was cut off immediately after the incident.
According to S.Devamanohar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kayamkulam, a quick response team from the Indian Oil Corporation reached the spot by 10 am from its plant in Kochi.
District Collector N.Padmakumar, who inspected the spot said the lorry belonging to Super Gas, a private company in Tuticorin, was coming from Tuticorin to Erattupettah when it overturned.
“The incident took place at 3 am. The lorry, VNT Gas Carriers, was transporting LPG to the company’s Erattupettah branch, which had started operations six months ago”, he said.
Reports said the tanker overturned while it was trying to make way for a lorry which had been trying to overtake it. A team from the Fire and Rescue Service near Harippad rushed to the spot.
The driver, Manikandan, 27, sustained minor injuries while the cleaner escaped unhurt.
The district administration declared a holiday for schools in panchayats nearby to avert the possibility of any mishap. Ram, the manager at Super Gas refilling station in Erattupettah said the lorry was owned by one Lohanathan of Tuticorin.
