A major incident unfolded near the Odisha-Jharkhand border as toxic propylene gas leaked from a tanker stationed on National Highway 49 (NH-49) close to Jamshola.
The leak led to widespread panic, forcing the administration to invoke BNS Section 163, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt.
According to initial reports, the propylene gas—highly flammable and harmful upon exposure—began leaking around midday. Eyewitnesses reported a strong chemical smell, prompting immediate alerts to emergency responders.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and cargo trucks, were stranded for hours, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and local residents. Authorities responded swiftly, cordoning off the affected area and diverting traffic. Safety protocols were initiated, and a hazardous material team is currently neutralising the leak.
District officials have urged travellers to avoid the area temporarily and follow updates from official sources. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the leak and whether standard safety practices were followed by the tanker operators.
This incident underlines the urgent need for stringent checks on vehicles carrying hazardous materials, especially on border routes with significant traffic volumes.
