Gas leak from tanker causes panic at Ithakota in East Godavari 

East Godavari: Tension prevailed near Ithakota tollgate under Ravulapalem Mandal in East Godavari district after a gas tanker was hit by a lorry, causing a gas leak on 11 February.

An HP gas tanker with over 17 tonnes of gas was heading towards Hyderabad from Vizag city when a JCB lorry hit the vehicle, creating a hole in the tanker. The staff of the tollgate alerted the police and fire departments after they noticed the leak. Sensing danger, the police diverted traffic and no vehicle was allowed to go through the tollgate.

The fire department personnel poured water on the tanker and appealed to people not to light cigarettes or any firewood in the surrounding area. However, they failed to control the gas leak and sought help from ONGC oficials.

The police said the situation is under control but they are still not allowing anyone near the tanker. They are still waiting for the technical team to control the gas leak, they said.