Raigad (Maharashtra) [India], July 9 (ANI): Torrential rainfall and severe flooding in the Khalapur area of Raigad district triggered a major industrial emergency after approximately 3,000 gas cylinders from a Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) bottling plant were swept into the Patalganga River, officials said Thursday.
The incident occurred at the HPCL bottling plant in Chavane, Panvel taluka. As the Patalganga River swelled following relentless rainfall in Khalapur taluka, strong currents carried away a large number of both filled and empty gas cylinders.
Khalapur Police Inspector Abhijit Bhujbal confirmed the incident, prompting the district administration to issue an urgent public advisory.
Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale warned residents living along the riverbanks not to approach or handle any cylinders they may encounter.
“If any gas cylinder is spotted in the river or along its banks, do not touch it under any circumstances, nor should any attempt be made to move it or take it home,” the collector said.
The administration said it is impossible to determine the condition or gas content of the cylinders carried away by the floodwaters. Officials warned that tampering with the cylinders could result in a gas leak or explosion, posing a serious risk to life and property.
“A search operation for the missing cylinders is currently being carried out by the administration, the Disaster Management Department, and the concerned company,” the administration said.
Residents have been urged to keep a safe distance from any cylinders found in or near the river and immediately report sightings to the local police or the Disaster Management Department.
Search teams are monitoring the course of the Patalganga River to recover the missing cylinders and prevent any potential accidents. (ANI)
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