Pune: Toxic Leak in Tamhini Ghat After Acid Tanker Mishap; Travellers Complain of Eye Irritation
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Mulshi, 25th May 2025: A major chemical accident was averted on Sunday morning after a hydrochloric acid tanker carrying nearly 28,000 liters overturned in the Tamhini Ghat area near Dongarwadi village due to poor visibility caused by heavy fog.
According to officials from the PMRDA Fire Department, the tanker (MH 04 HD 4530) belonged to M/s Beta Chemical, Mahad MIDC, and was en route from Mahad to M/s Pune Marketing, Bhekrai Nagar, Fursungi. Around 8.30 am, the vehicle overturned on a damaged stretch of road, which became unpredictable under the foggy conditions. The spill released toxic fumes and began spreading into nearby forested areas through the steep slopes, posing a significant threat to local biodiversity.
The driver of the tanker was briefly trapped in the cabin. A bus driver following the tanker acted quickly and stopped to rescue the injured driver, who sustained minor finger injuries. Authorities confirmed that the chemical began leaking into the deep valley beside the road, causing eye irritation for motorists and passersby due to the toxic fumes.
Officials reported that nearly 90% of the tanker’s contents leaked out during the incident. A coordinated emergency response involving the PMRDA Fire Brigade, Mulshi Disaster Management Team, LCS Response Team, Raigad Rescue Team, and local police ensured that the area was secured and the overturned vehicle was safely removed using a crane.
“Fortunately, there were no fatalities or serious injuries,” a PMRDA Fire official said. “We acted swiftly to contain the situation and protect residents and travelers from exposure.”
Authorities have urged transport companies to exercise caution while navigating fog-prone areas like Tamhini Ghat and to avoid such routes during adverse weather conditions. Further investigation into the incident is underway.
Upon learning of the incident, Tuhin Satarkar, Director – Operations at RESQ CT, immediately informed the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tushar Chavan. With his swift approval to proceed, the team mobilised to conduct damage control operations on site without delay.
The SVRSS × RESQ team, lead by Sagar Dahimbekar, in the presence of Forest Department officials and Police personnel, worked to arrest the chemical leakage and initiated neutralisation efforts. A total of 800 kilograms of Hydrated Lime (90% powder) was strategically deployed to neutralise the acid that had already leached into the environment. Senior officials from the Forest Department, including the Samir Ingale, Range Forest Officer (RFO), were present at the scene to oversee the mitigation operation.
