Milk Lorry Explosion Causes Major Traffic Disruption in Chennai
Traffic on a major Chennai thoroughfare was brought to a standstill late Sunday night after a dramatic incident involving a milk transport vehicle. The disruption occurred following an explosion in the refrigeration unit of a container lorry, which resulted in a massive spill of milk packets across the roadway.
Incident Details: Late-Night Blast on 100-Feet Road
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:30 PM on the busy 100-feet road near the Ashok Pillar metro station. According to reports, a lorry transporting a large consignment of milk packets was passing through the area when a sudden and loud blast occurred in its cooling system.
The force of the explosion was significant enough to shatter the side panels of the vehicle. This structural damage caused hundreds of sealed milk packets to tumble out onto the road, creating an immediate obstruction.
Chaotic Scene: Slippery Surface and Traffic Gridlock
A large number of the spilled packets burst open upon impact with the road surface. This led to milk flowing across the asphalt, creating a dangerously slippery layer. The hazardous conditions forced approaching vehicles to slow down to a crawl to avoid skidding, which quickly resulted in severe traffic congestion stretching through the area.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene with milk streaming across the road and vehicles struggling to navigate the slick surface safely.
Response and Cleanup: Public and Police Intervention
In a display of public cooperation, some passers-by stopped to assist the distressed lorry driver. They helped gather and reload a portion of the undamaged milk packets back into the vehicle, mitigating further loss.
Traffic police personnel rushed to the spot promptly upon receiving alerts. They managed the flow of vehicles around the spill zone and coordinated initial cleanup efforts. Their swift action was crucial in restoring normal traffic movement and preventing any secondary accidents.
Outcome: No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the event, no injuries were reported. The incident was contained to property damage—specifically to the lorry and its cargo—and the resulting traffic snarl. Authorities have not yet released details on the exact cause of the refrigeration unit's failure, but an investigation into the mechanical blast is likely underway.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected hazards that can arise on city roads, disrupting nightly routines and requiring coordinated emergency responses.
