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Traffic –  Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway came to a near-complete halt overnight after a gas tanker overturned in the Khandala Ghat stretch, triggering long delays and leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for several hours.

The accident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, caused severe congestion in both directions of the busy highway. Vehicles remained stuck close to the accident site well into the early hours of Wednesday, with many passengers reporting a lack of basic facilities such as food, drinking water, and access to toilets.

Accident Location and Initial Response

According to officials at the expressway control room, the tanker overturned around 5 pm near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district. The vehicle, reportedly moving at a high speed, lost control while navigating the downhill slope of the ghat section and toppled onto the road.

Soon after the incident, authorities discovered that gas was leaking from the tanker, prompting immediate safety concerns. The vehicle was carrying propylene gas, a substance known for its high flammability, which raised the risk of fire or explosion if traffic movement continued unchecked.

As a precautionary step, police officials halted Mumbai-bound traffic to avoid any potential danger to motorists and emergency responders.

Diversions and Prolonged Congestion

To manage the situation, traffic heading towards Mumbai was diverted onto the Pune-bound carriageway for a stretch of approximately two kilometres. Despite this temporary arrangement, normal traffic flow could not be restored due to the ongoing gas leak from the overturned tanker.

Officials said that even Pune-bound vehicles faced slow movement, with traffic crawling for more than 12 hours after the accident. Long queues of cars, buses, and heavy vehicles were reported on both sides of the expressway, particularly around Lonavala and Khandala.

Passengers Stranded for Hours

The extended traffic jam caused significant hardship for commuters, many of whom were stuck overnight without essential amenities. Passengers travelling by private vehicles and public transport alike described hours of waiting with little information on when the road would reopen.

A conductor from a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus told reporters around midnight that the bus had been stationary for more than six hours near the accident site. Passengers on board, including elderly individuals and children, were forced to remain inside the vehicle without access to food, water, or restrooms.

Public Reaction on Social Media

As frustration mounted, many motorists took to social media platforms to share their experiences and warn others against using the expressway. Several users described the highway as resembling a parking area rather than a major transport corridor.

One commuter appealed for immediate assistance, saying people were stuck and waiting desperately for help. Others advised travellers to postpone their journeys unless absolutely necessary, citing hours-long delays and exhaustion.

Another motorist recounted starting a journey from Andheri West around 7 pm and reaching Pune only in the early morning hours, calling it one of the worst traffic experiences they had ever faced.

Ongoing Safety Measures and Restoration Efforts

Emergency teams and traffic authorities continued to monitor the situation closely, focusing on controlling the gas leak and safely removing the tanker from the roadway. Officials emphasised that safety remained the top priority, given the hazardous nature of the cargo involved.

Efforts to clear the accident site and gradually restore traffic were carried out cautiously to prevent further risk. Motorists were urged to remain patient and follow official advisories until normal conditions returned.

Advisory for Commuters

Authorities advised travellers to stay updated through official traffic alerts and avoid the affected stretch whenever possible. Alternative routes were suggested for those needing to travel urgently, while non-essential movement was discouraged until the situation stabilised.

The incident once again highlighted the vulnerability of major highways to accidents involving hazardous materials and the wide-reaching impact such events can have on daily commuters.