LPG – Floodwaters Carry Thousands of Gas Cylinders Into Patalganga River
LPG – Maharashtra flood safety update – Heavy rainfall in Raigad district swept nearly 3,000 LPG cylinders from a bottling facility into the Patalganga River, prompting authorities to issue a public safety warning.
The incident occurred after intense rain caused flooding at the HPCL Patalganga LPG Bottling Plant in the MIDC Chavane area of Panvel taluka. Both filled and empty cylinders were carried away as water entered the facility and moved towards the river. Videos showing cylinders being pushed along by strong flood currents later circulated widely on social media.
District Administration Issues Public Warning
Raigad district officials have asked residents not to touch, collect or transport any gas cylinder found in the river, nearby waterlogged areas or along the banks. The administration said it is not yet clear whether the cylinders drifting in floodwaters contain LPG or whether they remain structurally safe after being carried by the current.
District Collector Kishan Jawale urged people to avoid handling the cylinders under any circumstances. He said that attempting to open, move or take home a cylinder could create a serious safety risk, particularly if it has been damaged or still contains gas.
“There is no certainty about whether the cylinders washed into the river are filled or safe,” the collector said. “People should not pick them up, tamper with them or take them home for personal use.”
Flooding Reaches Bottling Plant Area
The cylinders were reportedly washed away after heavy rain inundated parts of the HPCL facility. Floodwater entered the bottling plant premises and carried the containers out of the site before they reached the Patalganga River.
Authorities have not released details about the number of cylinders that were filled at the time of the incident. Officials are continuing to assess the extent of the loss and the possible safety concerns in areas affected by the flood.
The incident has also raised concerns for residents living close to the river and in low-lying parts of Panvel taluka, where heavy rainfall has disrupted normal movement and affected several locations.
Recovery and Tracking Efforts Underway
Government officials and relevant agencies have begun efforts to locate and recover the cylinders carried away by the floodwaters. Teams are assessing river stretches and nearby areas where cylinders may have been deposited after the water level changed.
Residents who spot a cylinder have been asked to report it immediately to local authorities instead of attempting to remove it themselves. The administration has stressed that trained personnel should handle recovery because the condition of each cylinder cannot be confirmed from its appearance.
Officials are also monitoring the situation as rainfall continues in parts of Raigad district. Further action will depend on water levels, weather conditions and the progress of the recovery operation.
Safety Advice for Local Residents
Authorities have advised people to stay away from floating or stranded cylinders, even if they appear empty. Floodwater can damage valves, seals and other components, making a cylinder unsafe to handle.
People have also been urged not to share unverified information about the incident or circulate claims about the condition of the cylinders. The district administration said official updates will be issued as the assessment and recovery work continues.