Traffic on the Taratala flyover in Kolkata was briefly suspended on Tuesday morning after a gas leak from a CNG cylinder caused panic among commuters and residents. The incident occurred around 8 am when a truck carrying CNG cylinders experienced a sudden jolt, causing the cap of one cylinder to come off. Gas escaped rapidly, forming a large white cloud that spread across the area.
Emergency Response and Traffic Management
Police immediately stopped traffic on the stretch to prevent any possible mishap. A fire engine arrived at the scene, and firefighters undertook containment measures. Authorities kept the truck stationary until the leaked gas completely dissipated into the atmosphere. Following a safety assessment, the vehicle was moved to a secure location, and traffic on the flyover was restored.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the truck was transporting CNG cylinders from Kalyani to Pailan and did not have a technician on board. The driver reportedly fled after stopping the vehicle. No untoward incident occurred, and no injuries were reported, an officer confirmed. The emergency shutdown of traffic led to congestion on Diamond Harbour Road during the morning peak hour.
The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials without proper safety measures. Authorities are investigating the matter to prevent future occurrences.
