Mumbai gas cylinder truck fire triggers explosions, sparks safety concerns

Mumbai‘s Sion-Dharavi Link Road turned into a scene of chaos and panic on Monday night when a truck carrying highly flammable gas cylinders caught fire, leading to multiple explosions. The intense blaze, which was quickly classified as a Level-II fire, prompted an immediate response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and local authorities. Emergency teams raced against time to contain the fire and prevent a catastrophe in one of the city’s most densely populated areas.

How Did the Fire Break Out on the Sion-Dharavi Link Road?

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deafening explosion at around 9:50 PM, followed by flames engulfing the truck near Nature Park in PNGP Colony. The vehicle, loaded with gas cylinders, was in transit when one of the cylinders reportedly exploded, triggering a chain reaction. Panic ensued as pedestrians and motorists scrambled for safety, fearing further blasts.

A local resident described the terrifying moment, stating that the explosions were loud enough to shake the area, causing widespread panic. Many people abandoned their vehicles in an attempt to flee to safer locations. With the fire spreading rapidly, the situation became even more critical as it threatened to engulf other vehicles and nearby structures.

Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes, and by 10:07 PM, the blaze had been declared a Level-II emergency, necessitating an intensified response. Despite the efforts of the fire brigade, the narrow streets and congestion in Dharavi made it difficult to maneuver, posing additional challenges in containing the fire.

How Did Authorities Respond to the Fire?

The Mumbai Fire Brigade deployed 19 fire tenders to battle the raging flames, while police officers quickly cordoned off the area to prevent bystanders from getting too close. Emergency responders focused on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby residential and commercial buildings, given the high population density in Dharavi. Officials confirmed that the truck driver had been taken into custody for questioning, as authorities investigated whether negligence, improper handling of the gas cylinders, or a mechanical failure caused the explosion.

A senior fire department official emphasized that controlling the fire in a densely populated area like Dharavi required immediate action, as any delay could have resulted in far greater damage. Despite the severity of the blaze, no casualties were reported. However, at least four vehicles sustained significant damage, and traffic on the Sion-Dharavi Link Road was brought to a standstill for hours, causing major disruptions for commuters.

Are Gas Cylinder Truck Fires Common in India?

Fires involving gas cylinders have been a recurring safety concern in India, where the transportation of flammable materials takes place daily across major cities and highways. Previous incidents have demonstrated that regulatory lapses, poor maintenance, and lack of proper safety enforcement contribute to the frequency of such fires.

One of the most notable incidents occurred in Nashik in 2021, when a truck carrying industrial gas cylinders exploded, causing a fire that took over six hours to extinguish. The blast caused widespread damage to surrounding properties and left two workers injured. A similar incident took place in Ahmedabad in 2019, where a truck fire led to multiple explosions, halting traffic for nearly a full day. Later investigations revealed that improper handling of the cylinders and failure to comply with safety regulations had contributed to the disaster. Mumbai itself has witnessed several such fires, including a deadly explosion in 2018, when commercial LPG cylinders at a restaurant led to a fire that killed six people.

These cases highlight the ongoing risks associated with transporting gas cylinders, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion and dense infrastructure increase the potential for large-scale damage. The Dharavi fire has once again underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures.

What Safety Regulations Exist for Transporting Gas Cylinders?

India has established strict guidelines under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016, which regulate the transportation of LPG and other compressed gases. These regulations mandate that all cylinders must be inspected for leaks before being transported, properly secured to prevent movement during transit, and never overloaded beyond their prescribed limit. Drivers transporting hazardous materials must also receive specialized safety training to handle potential fire emergencies.

Despite these regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly among smaller transport operators and independent distributors. Experts have warned that many vehicles carrying flammable substances do not undergo regular safety checks, making them potential hazards on the road. The lack of a centralized tracking system for such transporters further exacerbates the problem, as authorities struggle to monitor compliance in real time.

Could the Dharavi Fire Have Been Prevented?

Experts argue that improved regulatory enforcement, coupled with technological advancements in monitoring hazardous material transport, could significantly reduce the risk of such incidents. Mandatory safety audits, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and real-time tracking of gas cylinder deliveries could help address many of the current gaps in safety enforcement.

A senior fire department official stated that most of these incidents are preventable if transporters adhere strictly to safety norms. He added that routine inspections should be mandatory, and violators must face harsher penalties to ensure compliance. The Dharavi fire has reignited concerns about Mumbai’s preparedness for fire-related emergencies in high-risk areas, particularly given the city’s dense infrastructure and frequent transport of hazardous materials.

As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of this latest fire, the incident serves as a reminder of the persistent dangers associated with improper handling of gas cylinders. The demand for stricter safety measures is growing louder, with calls for better monitoring and improved enforcement of regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.