Thane: Truck carrying acid topples, school in vicinity shut

The regional disaster management cell swung into action after a truck carrying several drums of hydrochloric acid overturned on the busy Ghodbunder road in Thane on Wednesday morning.

The regional disaster management cell (RDMC) swung into action after a truck carrying several drums of hydrochloric acid overturned on the busy Ghodbunder road in Thane on Wednesday morning. The mishap led to the leaking of acid fumes in the area, prompting authorities to evacuate a school in the vicinity.

The speeding truck carrying several drums of hydrochloric acid toppled near the Gaimukh octroi post at around 8am. (Google maps)

The RDMC officials sprinkled sodium bicarbonate powder to counter the effect of toxic fumes, leaking from the drums.

The driver, Rambahadur Ramlavan,23, from Uttar Pradesh, sustained injuries in the accident. The vehicle, which was was heading from Tarapur to JNPT, skidded off the road after the driver lost control. A crane and a hydropower machine were called in to lift the container out of a drainage lane.

The speeding truck, MH46-H- 3607, carrying several drums of hydrochloric acid toppled near the Gaimukh naka around 8am, said officials.

Since the acid fumes engulfed the entire area, a school and octroi post close to the mishap spot were reportedly closed and children and staff sent home.

In another incident, which took place on the same stretch, a container, MH 04- CG-1785, overturned near the Gaymukh naka. The driver and the cleaner suffered minor injuries.