HYDERABAD: A late-night chemical spill in Kurnool sparked widespread panic as residents and motorists were overwhelmed by toxic fumes leaking from a moving tanker. The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday along the national highway that passes through the city.
According to preliminary reports, a tanker transporting hydrochloric acid began leaking while in transit. The driver, upon noticing the issue, abandoned the vehicle on the roadside and fled the scene. The unattended vehicle continued to emit pungent fumes, spreading across the nearby area.
Travellers and local residents soon began experiencing severe breathing discomfort due to the acrid odour emanating from the spill. Several motorists halted their journeys as visibility dropped and the atmosphere turned suffocating.
Authorities were alerted and are investigating the source and scale of the leak. Emergency response teams are working to neutralise the acid and secure the area. No injuries have been officially reported so far, but local officials have urged people in the vicinity to remain indoors and avoid exposure.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols followed during the transportation of hazardous materials through populated areas. Questions are also being asked about the preparedness of local authorities in handling such chemical emergencies.
