Palghar, June 14, 2025 :- A chemical scare gripped commuters on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway on Saturday after a container truck carrying industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide overturned in the Mendhwan Ghat section of Palghar district. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 PM, triggered panic as barrels ruptured and released plumes of white smoke, severely affecting visibility and air quality in the area.
The truck, reportedly en route from Mumbai to Gujarat, lost control while navigating a sharp curve on a flyover and toppled over, causing several chemical drums to spill. The highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide reacted upon exposure, generating a dense cloud that led to eye irritation and respiratory discomfort among motorists and local residents.
Hydrogen peroxide in industrial quantities is classified as a hazardous substance. Depending on the concentration, exposure can cause skin burns, breathing difficulties, and even life-threatening complications such as gas embolism or pulmonary damage.
Although there were no fatalities, the truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site. Emergency response units—including the Kasa Police, highway traffic personnel, and fire brigade teams—rushed to the scene and swiftly took control of the situation. Firefighters deployed water jets to disperse the fumes and prevent further chemical reactions.
Traffic along the Gujarat-bound carriageway came to a standstill as visibility dropped dramatically. Authorities diverted vehicles through a service road and imposed one-way movement to ease the congestion. Two heavy-duty cranes were brought in to remove the overturned truck, and normal traffic flow resumed by late evening.
The incident has once again raised alarms about the dangerous turns and inadequate safety infrastructure in the Mendhwan Ghat area, a notorious stretch for heavy-vehicle mishaps. Despite previous accidents and local demands for redesign, the hazardous curve remains unchanged, adding to the urgency for long-pending road upgrades.
A formal investigation is underway to determine if the transport company followed mandated safety protocols for carrying hazardous materials. Officials are also reviewing the driver’s route logs, maintenance records, and loading conditions to assess potential lapses.
Authorities have urged transporters to strictly adhere to chemical safety guidelines and avoid routing heavy hazardous cargo through accident-prone stretches wherever possible.
