Nitrogen gas started leaking, creating panic among residents.
Kochi: A major tragedy was averted on Friday morning when authorities acted fast and plugged a Nitrogen leak after a Torres lorry hit a stationed tanker from behind at Kalamassery. The mishap occurred at 6 am along HMT road near a weigh bridge facility at Pottakuzhy. The tanker laden with 13 tons of liquid nitrogen was proceeding from Vallaparpadam to Ambalamugal Bharath Petroleum Corporation Ltd. It was parked there awaiting its turn to check the weight of the load when the speeding lorry hit it from behind.
Nitrogen gas started leaking, creating panic among residents. A huge vapour cloud was formed in the area, raising concerns of cold burns to anyone who came into contact with it. The Fire and Rescue personnel halted vehicular movement through the area for over an hour. “According to preliminary estimates, about 1.5 ton nitrogen got leaked in the collision. There were chances of the leakage causing a fire, however, the fact that the mishap occurred in the early morning when the atmospheric temperature was low averted the mishap,” said a senior Fire officer. As per the Hazardous Chemical Code, liquefied nitrogen is inflammable if exposed to sufficient heat.
“The valve of the tanker was kept open, a common practice considering the possible pressure variations. The chemical leaked through the tube due to the impact of the collision. It took 45 minutes to seal the valve and bring the situation under control,” he said. Fire tenders from four units – Aluva, Thrik-kakara, Tripunithura and Eloor, rushed to the spot. Fire personnel clad in full body suits went close to the tanker and shut the valve as a waster spray was continuously used to cool it down. An FIR was lodged at Kalamassery police station.
