Mumbai-Pune Expressway Jammed for Over 12 Hours After Gas Tanker Overturns Near Adoshi; Pune Police Urges Detours

Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway came to a standstill following the overturning of a gas tanker near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district on Wednesday, February 3. The accident forced authorities to halt traffic on one of the busiest highways connecting Mumbai and Pune as immediate safety precautions were implemented. According to IANS, the incident occurred around 6:15 PM when the tanker, traveling at high speed, lost control on a slope near the tunnel and flipped onto the road.

Traffic Halted on Expressway Due to Flammable Gas Leak

The tanker was carrying highly flammable propylene gas, raising serious safety concerns. Police and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and shut down traffic heading toward Mumbai to ensure commuter safety and allow rescue teams to manage the gas leak effectively.

Videos Capture Ongoing Response at the Scene

Footage from passing vehicles shows workers in hazmat suits addressing the gas leakage near the overturned tanker, with visible gas escaping from the vehicle. Emergency teams remain deployed while traffic is halted on the affected side of the highway. Meanwhile, vehicles cautiously moved on the opposite lane, where traffic was temporarily rerouted.

Thousands Stranded as Traffic Backup Extends for Hours

To reduce risk, authorities diverted Mumbai-bound vehicles onto the Pune-bound lane for nearly two kilometers, causing severe congestion. Thousands of commuters were stuck on the expressway, with some stranded for more than 12 hours as long queues formed.The prolonged delay caused significant hardship, particularly for elderly passengers and families with children, many of whom struggled to access basic necessities like drinking water and restroom facilities during the wait.

Commuters Voice Frustration Over Lack of Communication and Delay

Many travellers took to social media to express their frustration about the extended halt and lack of updates. One user wrote, “Hundreds of families are stuck on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway for 6+ hours with kids & elderly—after a propylene gas tanker overturned at 5 PM near Adoshi Tunnel. No alerts. No guidance. No timelines.

This is a serious public safety failure.”Another commented, “It’s been 15+ hours, and the traffic on the Mumbai-Pune expressway has not been cleared. Police on the road have no information on what is happening at the accident site. Is this what we call development?”Authorities continue efforts to clear the site and restore smooth traffic flow, while urging commuters to consider alternative routes until the situation is resolved.