HCl Leak Causes Trouble for Commuters

A major accident involving a tanker carrying hazardous hydrochloric acid (HCl) caused panic among motorists and locals near Anandapuram in Visakhapatnam district. The tanker, transporting chemicals from Andhra Sugars in Kovvur to Divis Labs in the Bheemili region, was first hit by a vehicle from behind on the national highway.

After initial repairs, the tanker developed a leak while being moved in the evening. The leaking acid spread on the road, creating dense fumes that caused irritation in the eyes and throat of commuters passing through the area. Traffic remained halted for nearly half an hour due to the emergency situation.

Police personnel acted quickly by clearing roadside grills and shifting the tanker to a nearby pond area to prevent further spread of the chemical. After safety measures were completed, traffic movement on the highway was restored.