LPG Tanker Leak Forces Closure of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Near Vadodara After Early Morning Crash

Vadodara: A major accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Nandesari early on Monday led to an LPG gas tanker leak, forcing authorities to shut down traffic on the busy highway corridor. The incident occurred around 4:00 am when a milk tanker rammed into the rear of an LPG-laden tanker, damaging its main discharge valve and releasing gas into the surrounding area.

The gas tanker was en route from Dahej to Jaipur when the rear-end collision took place near Nandesari in Vadodara district. The impact fractured the vehicle's rear valve, causing liquefied petroleum gas to spew out rapidly across the stretch. Fearing a major catastrophe or explosion, teams from Nandesari Police Station and the Vadodara Fire Brigade's TP-13 station rushed to the spot, cordoned off the entire zone, and suspended all vehicular traffic along the expressway stretch.

Traffic Diverted as Emergency Teams Monitor Gas Leak

The prolonged closure left hundreds of motorists stranded along the expressway, forcing drivers to take lengthy detours via alternative state routes. Authorities maintained strict blockades on both corridors to prevent any ignition sources near the volatile gas cloud.

Key facts surrounding the incident:

• Time and Location: Incident took place around 4:00 am near Nandesari on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Vadodara.
• Vehicles Involved: An LPG tanker travelling from Dahej to Jaipur and a milk tanker coming from behind.
• Cause of Leak: Impact damaged the LPG tanker's rear valve, leaking gas across the roadway.
• Emergency Response: Nandesari Police and Vadodara Fire Brigade (TP-13 station) cordoned off the area and closed the highway.
• Current Status: Gas leak remains active; highway traffic stopped for over eight hours as fire officials await complete venting.

Fire Officials Await Complete Tanker Venting Before Clearance

Addressing the ongoing operations, TP-13 Station Officer Kiran Baria stated that fire personnel face high operational risks due to the active leak. Approaching the damaged valve to plug the breach manually presents a severe fire hazard.

Consequently, emergency responders have opted to keep the perimeter sealed and allow the remaining LPG cargo to vent safely into the atmosphere before deploying recovery equipment. Traffic will remain halted until the gas dissipates completely and safety inspectors clear the stretch for normal movement.