Kerala’s Kanhangad on High Alert as Overturned LPG Tanker Triggers Traffic Curbs, Holiday Declared

Swift Summary

• A high alert was declared in Kanhangad after an LPG tanker lorry overturned near the Koval Store on the National Highway on Thursday (July 24,2025).
• The tanker, transporting LPG from Mangaluru to Coimbatore, overturned into a swamp while evading an oncoming bus. The driver sustained minor injuries; no gas leak was reported.
• As precautionary measures:

– Friday declared a local holiday for institutions within a one-kilometre radius of the accident zone – including schools and commercial establishments.
– Residents of Wards 18, 19, and 26 in Kanhangad South and Aingoth evacuated.

• Vehicular traffic between Kanhangad South and Padannakkad halted; alternate routes arranged with warnings of possible disruptions.
• Safety instructions prohibit using LPG cylinders, smoking, electrical appliances, vehicles near the site or capturing footage in proximity to the tanker area. Power supply cut off locally until recovery operations are completed today (July 25).

Indian Opinion Analysis
The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities tied to hazardous cargo transport through narrow or underdeveloped road networks undergoing infrastructure expansion – such as this national highway stretch near Kanhangad. Although no gas leakage occurred this time due to rapid emergency response from authorities including police and disaster management teams, it underscores meaningful considerations for risk mitigation across India’s growing logistics systems.

The government’s decision to declare local holidays points toward prioritizing public safety over convenience-a necessary trade-off when immediate risks emerge around densely populated areas. Stricter adherence to regulatory enforcement surrounding cargo routes and better-designed alternative paths coudl minimize similar occurrences long-term.

While evacuation protocols seemed efficient during this localized emergency in Kerala’s Kasaragod district-public trust hinges upon authorities ensuring smooth execution during future incidents involving hazardous materials transit.

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