Gas leak in Hatkeshwar after pipeline hit during demolition work, 17 women rescued

Panic gripped Ahmedabad’s Khokhra–Hatkeshwar stretch on Wednesday morning after an underground gas pipeline operated by Adani Total Gas Ltd was accidentally ruptured during demolition work near the Hatkeshwar overbridge, triggering a major gas leak in the area.

The incident occurred near a shop while rainwater drainage work was underway as part of the overbridge demolition project. According to preliminary information, a JCB excavator engaged at the site accidentally struck the buried gas pipeline with its teeth, causing a sudden and rapid leakage of gas into the surrounding locality.

As gas spread quickly through the area, residents and shopkeepers nearby rushed out in panic and moved to safer locations. Authorities immediately suspended domestic gas supply in the locality as a precautionary measure to avoid any fire or explosion risk. A team from Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the site soon after receiving the alert and launched emergency containment measures.

Firefighters used continuous water sprays to disperse the leaked gas and reduce the chances of ignition while the damaged pipeline was being secured. During the rescue operation, fire personnel were informed that around 17 women were inside the nearby Asharam Complex, where they were engaged in online work at the time of the leak.

The women remained trapped inside the premises for nearly 30 minutes as the gas leak continued outside. Fire brigade teams safely evacuated all of them without injury. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.