Beltangady: A major tragedy was averted on the National Highway between Beltangady and Madanthyar due to the presence of mind of a tanker driver on 9th March, Friday.
The driver of the gas tanker was Arun, a resident of Hassan. The incident took place at Panakaje.
According to sources, a panic situation was created on Friday as the traffic on Beltangady -Madanthyar road was affected due to gas leakage from a LPG tanker. It is learnt that the tanker was plying from Bengaluru to Mangaluru carrying 11 tons of gas.
However, after delivering four tons of gas at Ujire, a leakage occurred on its way to Mangaluru as the safety valve increased during the transportation. Arun, who realised this, drove the tanker and parked it in a desolate place and averted major tragedy.
Arun, with the help of locals Naufal, Riyaz and Nazeer climbed atop the tanker and tightened the safety valve by striking with a wooden log and prevented further leakage. Officials of IPCL and IOC, Mangaluru, police of Punjalkatte and Beltangady assisted in the rescue operation.
A total of 19 fire fighters participated in the operation. Once the personnel of Nelyadi HPCL arrived at the spot and secured the cap of the tanker, it started proceeding towards Mangaluru.
It is believed that around 500 to 600 litres of gas got leaked from the tanker.
As the incident occurred on the national highway, there was disturbance in the traffic and vehicles plying towards Mangaluru, Ujire and others had to wait before the traffic was cleared.