The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was jammed for over 12 hours after a gas tanker reportedly overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district on Tuesday, 3 February.
According to The Times of India, at around 4.45 pm on Tuesday, the propylene gas tanker, travelling at high speed, lost control on the slope near the tunnel and overturned on the road.
The traffic snarl reportedly began around 5 pm and continued till at least midnight, with vehicular movement completely halted for some hours in both directions.
The authorities immediately halted traffic on one of the busiest highways that connects Mumbai and Pune as a safety measure. Initially, the TOI report said that the traffic in the Pune-bound direction was allowed to move, but within a few hours, congestion worsened, and authorities eventually halted traffic in both directions.
Here's what social media users said about it:
Thousands of commuters were left stranded on the highway for hours, “with zero help or updates”. Angry netizens flooded social media with photos and videos from the spot and demanded a refund on the toll collected despite the long hours of the traffic jam.
They also slammed authorities over poor management and lack of support during their ordeal.
A user, who shared a picture showing kilometres-long traffic on the hill, said, “Stranded on Mumbai–Pune Expressway due to a CNG truck accident. I’m a lady travelling with two kids—no water, no washroom access, no assistance, traffic not moving at all. Shocked by the careless and inhuman handling.”
“Where are the highway authorities & gatekeepers?” the user asked.
Another user claimed that he was stranded on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway for 12–13 hours, “ZERO information. ZERO facilities.” The user said that there were “no public announcements. No guidance to avoid travel or take a U-turn.”
“IRB continued collecting tolls while passengers were left stranded for hours without water, toilets, or medical aid. Helplines went unanswered. Officials vanished,” the user claimed. “VVIP convoys got priority. Common citizens got chaos.”
“This is not an inconvenience; this is criminal mismanagement. Refund tolls to all affected motorists. Fix accountability,” he demanded.
A netizen said, “Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been made a hell-hole thanks to heavy traffic. There is no system of help in case of a breakdown. A great road has been systematically turned into a disaster zone. Take Vande Bharat.”
Talking to TOI, Highway Safety Patrol (HSP) officers said the gas in the overturned tanker was highly inflammable and heavy. “No vehicle movement can be risked around the spot.”
At midnight, they estimated it would take till at least 4 am on Wednesday to clean up the spot. “Traffic will need to remain halted till then at least.”
