Gas pipeline ruptures in Pune; swift action averts major tragedy

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), fire department and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) managed to plug a gas leak in a pipeline. A major tragedy was averted due to the swift action and timely intervention of the officials today.

A major tragedy was averted in Pune on Tuesday after Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), fire department and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) managed to plug a gas leak due to rupture of an underground pipeline. The incident happened in the Shirole Road area of Deccan today.

The leakage continued for over 30 minutes as the pipeline ruptured accidentally at an under-construction site. Fire brigade officials rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area to prevent untoward incidents. PMC officials also inspected the spot and took stock of the situation.

Sukesh Pashalkar, a local resident, told the Indian Express, that the accident happened when heavy machinery was being used for digging at the construction site. Pashalkar, who is also the Assembly president of NCP, further added that the piped gas escaped at a high speed following the leakage, causing it to spread in the area in a short time.

However, the timely intervention and swift action of PMC officials and fire brigade averted a major tragedy. Officials made sure that no one in the area accidentally turned on any electric switches as the gas was highly inflammable. Finally, the leak was plugged after sustained efforts by the MNGL and fire brigade officials.

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