Panic after chemical spills from truck near Desumajra

Panic spread in the area after a stationary tanker carrying formaldehyde (volatile organic compound with a strong smell) was hit in the rear by another truck near the Desumajra flyover on the Chandigarh-Kharar National Highway at around 2.30am. Passers-by complained of a burning sensation in their eyes and pungent smell after the liquid spread in a 300m radius.The police, fire and MC officials rushed to the spot. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot and firemen flushed the area thrice to bring the situation under control within two hours.

Kharar MC councillor Rajbir Singh said, “Information was received that a stationary truck on the highway near the flyover was hit by another truck after which passers-by complained of difficulty in breathing and a burning sensation in their eyes.”

Kharar fire officer Kaur Singh said, “Two fire tenders flushed the tanker and the spot with water after which it was alright.”

Later, the remaining half-filled tanker, accompanied by a fire tender, was taken to a Kurali industrial unit. Midway, an NDRF team also took samples from the tanker for further investigation.