Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Dec 5: A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas from Mangaluru to Kochi tumbled by the roadside at Kumble Shiriya on national highway. The accident occurred at around 3 am on Friday December 5.

Due to the impact of the accident which occurred near Shiriya Bridge, gas started leaking from the fallen tanker. Considering the danger posed by the leaking tanker, the entire area was cordoned off and traffic on national highway was stopped.

Long lines of vehicles were soon found to have been formed on both sides of the accident site. The traffic was diverted through another route.

Fire engines from several places including Kasargod, Uppala, Trikkaripura, Kuttikol, Kanangad etc rushed to the spot and stood on alert to handle the situation. It is said that leakage of gas is happening from two sides of the tanker, and efforts are on to plug the leakage.

Many commuters plying between Mangaluru and the town on a daily basis and dependent on buses as transport were caught unawares as traffic came to a standstill. Families living near the bridge were evacuated to safer distances. Power supply to the area was cut off and people were asked not to ignite fire till the situation is handled.

As per the latest information, the leakage is under control and the gas is being shifted to another tanker. The entire process is expected to be completed by 2 pm.