LPG Truck Overturns in Tamil Nadu: Multiple Gas Cylinder Explosions on Thanjavur-Ariyalur Highway

Chennai:

A significant fire accompanied by multiple explosions occurred in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district when a truck carrying over 100 LPG cylinders overturned while navigating a sharp turn on the Thanjavur-Ariyalur highway on Monday.

Police reports indicate that the truck was being operated by Kanagaraj from Inam Kulathur in Tiruchi district. The vehicle was traveling from an Indane Gas warehouse near Dindigul Road to deliver the cylinders to an Ariyalur-based local dealer.

The incident happened as the truck was maneuvering around a curve near a Pillaiyar temple when a stray dog suddenly crossed the path. In his attempt to avoid hitting the animal, Kanagaraj applied emergency brakes, causing the vehicle to lose stability and overturn into a roadside drainage ditch.

The subsequent impact initiated a chain reaction among the tightly packed cylinders, resulting in multiple powerful explosions that sent flames shooting high into the air.

Local witnesses described the event as "terrifying," with the flames being visible from several kilometers away.

The driver managed to leap from the vehicle and escape to safety even as the initial cylinders began exploding. Nearby residents rushed to provide assistance and contacted emergency services. Kanagaraj suffered multiple injuries and was admitted to the Ariyalur Government Medical College Hospital, where medical staff reported his condition as stable.

Ariyalur District Fire Officer Senthilkumar led a response team of firefighters who quickly arrived at the scene. The fire and rescue personnel worked diligently to control the situation and prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent fields. As a precautionary measure, traffic between Thanjavur and Ariyalur was rerouted through Kaikatti and surrounding villages.

Officials stated that a major disaster was fortunately avoided, as the area where the incident occurred was not densely populated. Had the accident taken place in a more populated region, the explosions could have potentially resulted in significant casualties and extensive property damage.