The Mumbai-Pune highway was gridlocked for over 12 hours after a gas tanker reportedly overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district on Tuesday, February 3.
According to a Times of India report, around 4:45 p.m., the propylene tanker, traveling at high speed, lost control on the slope near the tunnel and overturned on the road.
The traffic snarl reportedly started around 5pm on Tuesday and continued until at least midnight, with vehicular movement coming to a complete standstill for several hours in both directions.
Authorities immediately stopped traffic on one of the busiest highways that connects Mumbai and Pune as a precautionary measure. Initially, a TOI report said that traffic in the Pune direction could move, but within hours the congestion worsened and authorities eventually stopped traffic in both directions.
Here’s what social media users had to say about it:
Thousands of commuters were left stranded on the motorway for hours with “no help or updates”. Angry netizens flooded social media with photos and videos from the scene, demanding a refund of the tolls collected despite the long hours of traffic jams.
They also criticized the authorities for mismanagement and lack of support during their ordeal.
A user who shared a picture of the mile-long traffic on the hill said, “Stuck on Mumbai-Pune highway due to CNG truck accident. I am a lady traveling with two kids – no water, no access to washrooms, no help, traffic not moving at all. Shocked at the careless and inhumane treatment.”
“Where are the highway authorities and the rangers?” the user asked.
Another user claimed he was stuck on the Mumbai-Pune highway for 12-13 hours, “ZERO info. ZERO devices”. The user said “there were no public announcements. No instructions to avoid travel or turn around.”
“IRB continued to collect tolls while passengers were left stranded for hours without water, toilets or medical assistance. Helplines remained unresponsive. Officials disappeared,” the user alleged. “VVIP convoys have priority. Ordinary citizens have chaos.”
“This is not an inconvenience, this is criminal mis-driving. Refund the tolls to all affected motorists. Fix the liability,” he demanded.
A netizen said, “Mumbai-Pune expressway has become a hell hole due to heavy traffic. There is no help system in case of breakdown. The highway has systematically turned into a disaster zone. Take Vande Bharat.”
Speaking to TOI, HSP (Highway Safety Patrol) officers said that the gas in the overturned tanker was highly flammable and heavy. “You can’t risk the movement of the vehicle at the site.”
At midnight, they estimated that cleaning the site would take at least until 4 a.m. Wednesday morning. “Traffic will have to remain stopped at least until then.”
