Palghar, Maharashtra: A chemical-laden container truck overturned on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway in the Mendhwan Ghat section of Palghar district around 3:30 pm on Saturday, June 14, causing a significant disruption. The vehicle, transporting barrels of industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide, crashed on a sharp bend of a flyover, leading to a leak that released large clouds of white smoke across the highway.
The truck was reportedly traveling from Mumbai to Gujarat when its driver lost control, resulting in the rollover. The impact caused the hydrogen peroxide barrels to rupture and leak, generating dense smoke that severely reduced visibility and caused eye irritation for nearby commuters, sparking panic.
Exposure to hydrogen peroxide, particularly industrial concentrations, can cause various harmful side effects. Skin contact may lead to irritation, redness, burns, and blistering, while inhaling fumes can cause respiratory irritation and potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide is especially dangerous, leading to severe gastrointestinal irritation, internal burns, and the risk of a gas embolism, which can result in serious neurological damage or even be fatal. Eye contact can cause immediate pain, irritation, and potentially permanent corneal damage.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the truck driver sustained injuries. Emergency services, including the Kasa Police, highway traffic police, and fire brigade, promptly arrived at the scene.
The fire brigade quickly identified the spilled chemical and began spraying water to neutralize the vapors, successfully bringing the situation under control. However, the incident led to significant traffic jams on the Gujarat-bound carriageway. Authorities rerouted vehicles to a service road and temporarily allowed one-way traffic to ease congestion.
With the aid of two cranes, the overturned container was removed, and normal traffic flow was eventually restored.
This accident underscores the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the sharp turns in the Mendhwan Ghat area, which is known for its frequent mishaps involving heavy vehicles. Despite calls for improved safety measures during road redevelopment, this hazardous curve remains unchanged.
Authorities are currently investigating the accident, focusing on the logistics company involved and whether appropriate safety protocols were followed during the transport of the chemical.
