In the early hours of a fateful Saturday morning, a tanker carrying a highly corrosive substance, sulphuric acid, met with a catastrophic accident on the Mumbra bypass road in Thane, Maharashtra.
The incident sent shockwaves through the region, not only due to the tanker accident itself but also because of the environmental consequences that followed.
The Accident Unfolds
Around 5 a.m., the tanker driver, Brijesh Sarol, aged 45, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the tanker skidding and ultimately falling into a nullah. Although the accident left Mr Sarol with injuries, it was a relief that he did not suffer any burn injuries due to the hazardous acid.
Waste Chemical Hazard Waste Dous tanker tumbled at Sainik nagar slums area drainage on Mumbra by pass road, no death’ as smoke acidic fumes all over….More Details Awaited.. @Kumar_Ankit03 #Chemical #WestChemical #mumbra #Thane pic.twitter.com/Wo2qxbmcED
— रिजवान इरफान शेख (@RizwanIrfanSha3) September 9, 2023
Environmental Impact
The nullah into which the tanker plunged flows on the outskirts of Thane city and eventually leads to the Mumbra creek. The spillage of eight tonnes of sulphuric acid into this water body was nothing short of an environmental disaster.
The corrosive substance quickly mixed with the nullah water, emitting a pungent and overpowering odour that permeated the area, making it nearly unbearable for the residents.
The Response
Upon receiving information about the incident, a disaster management team promptly reached the affected site. Their swift and well-coordinated response was crucial in mitigating the immediate impacts of the spillage. Over the course of approximately two hours, they carried out a rescue and relief operation.
Fortunately, the area where the accident occurred is not densely populated, which meant that the spillage did not pose an immediate health threat to a large number of people. Consequently, no health-related complaints were reported in the aftermath.
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The Lingering Effects
Despite the relatively low risk to human health, the environmental implications of this incident are substantial. The strong odour of the corrosive liquid is expected to linger for an extended period, causing discomfort to the nearby residents.
Moreover, the impact on aquatic life in the nullah and the downstream Mumbra creek is a significant concern. Sulphuric acid can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, potentially leading to long-term ecological damage.
The accident involving the tanker carrying sulphuric acid in Thane serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with the transportation of dangerous chemicals. While the immediate response to the incident was effective in preventing widespread harm to human health, the environmental consequences are likely to persist for some time.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols when handling and transporting hazardous materials. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to address such emergencies promptly.
FAQs
Is sulphuric acid dangerous to humans when it comes into contact with the skin?
Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin. However, in this incident, the driver did not suffer burn injuries.
What are the potential long-term effects of sulphuric acid spillage on the environment?
Sulphuric acid can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, leading to ecological damage that may persist for an extended period.
Was there any immediate danger to residents in the vicinity of the accident?
Fortunately, the accident site was not densely populated, and no immediate health-related complaints were reported.
What measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
Preventing incidents like this requires strict adherence to safety protocols in the transportation of hazardous materials and ongoing training for those involved in the handling of such substances.
Where can I find more information about this incident?
For more details and updates on this incident, you can access the official report at