Quick Response Prevents Catastrophe on Pune-Solapur Highway
A potential major disaster was successfully averted on Monday morning when the Pune Fire Brigade controlled a dangerous blaze that erupted in the cabin of a fuel tanker carrying 20,000 litres of combustible fuel on the busy Pune-Solapur Road.
The incident occurred at Shewalwadi Chowk in Hadapsar during peak morning hours, creating a high-risk situation that threatened to escalate into a massive explosion. The tanker was transporting 15,000 litres of diesel and 5,000 litres of petrol when the fire broke out in its cabin.
Swift Emergency Response Saves the Day
According to officials at the Pune Fire Brigade control room, they received an emergency call around 9:20 am alerting them about the fuel tanker fire. The response was immediate and comprehensive.
Fire tenders from Hadapsar, Kalepadal, BT Kawade Road, and Kharadi fire stations were immediately dispatched to the location, accompanied by water tankers. Remarkably, the first fire tender reached the scene within just five minutes of receiving the emergency call.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that local police had already mobilized and halted traffic in the area, creating a safety perimeter around the burning vehicle.
Critical Firefighting Operation
Recognizing the extreme danger of the situation and the high risk of a massive explosion, the firefighters launched an immediate offensive. They strategically positioned themselves and began spraying water from all four sides of the tanker to prevent the flames from reaching the petrol and diesel compartments.
The operation proved successful as the fire was brought under control promptly. Following the initial containment, firefighters conducted a thorough cooling operation to prevent any secondary fires from igniting.
Initial investigations suggest that the tanker driver panicked when the fire broke out in the cabin but managed to jump out and escape safely. The vehicle had reportedly departed from Loni and was headed toward Pune when the incident occurred.
Officials Praise Timely Action
Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer of Pune, emphasized that major damage was prevented due to the prompt arrival of fire brigade vehicles and the alertness demonstrated by the firefighters. "Otherwise, a serious accident could have occurred," he added, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The successful operation was led by officers Pramod Sonawane and Nilesh Lonkar, with crucial support from drivers Narayan Jagtap and Raju Shaikh, team leader Shaukat Shaikh, and firemen Baba Chavan, Chandrakant Navale, Ramdas Lad and Avinash Dhakne.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fuel transportation through busy urban areas and highlights the critical importance of well-equipped emergency services and trained personnel in preventing potential tragedies.
