Leaking tanker leaves panic trail

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 27

Panic gripped the area near the Zirakpur flyover when several people started suffering from severe respiratory problem and a burning sensation in throat and eyes following leak of some poisonous substance or gas from a tanker a few metres from the light point on the Zirakpur-Patiala road this afternoon.

A youth, who almost fell unconscious due to the gas effect, was immediately shifted to a private hospital where the doctors referred him to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh. As several persons were seen complaining of difficulty in breathing, burning sensation in throat and eyes, the police called a fire engine and got the entire stretch from the flyover light point to Lucky Dhaba washed several times to dissipate the gas effect.

Meanwhile, the tanker driver sped off. The road witnessed a massive traffic jam following the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at around 2.30 pm. A Ludhiana-based youngster, Kunal, who was just behind the tanker in his car, said he saw some liquid leaking from the tanker. The leaking liquid was forming white patches on the road. “I immediately started feeling trouble in breathing and burning sensation in my eyes. I quickly alighted from my car and ran away from the spot,” said Kunal.

An onlooker said several passengers of a bus, which was also right behind the tanker, were seen jumping out of the vehicle. They complained of the same problem. “Soon, panic gripped the area and all persons were seen running in fear, some leaving their vehicles on the road,” said a shopkeeper.

Sources said several police officials, firemen and volunteers, involved in the rescue operation, too complained of breathlessness and irritation in eyes. Some of them were rushed to the nearby hospital. However, they were discharged after first aid.

“Strong pungent smell filled the area. Those who inhaled the gas complained of suffocation and irritation in their eyes,” the sources added.

The effect of the gas weakened after the road was washed for almost an hour, claimed the police.

Inspector Tarlochan Singh, Station House Officer of the Zirakpur police station, said a case had been registered against the driver of an unidentified tanker. “It is yet to be ascertained what substance or gas leaked from the tanker,” he said.