Pune, June 13: Four people were killed and three injured when a chemical-laden tanker caught fire following an accident and exploded on Pune-Mumbai Expressway on Tuesday, police said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths. The accident took place on the expressway stretch between Lonavala and Khandala, an official said. Satpura Bhawan Fire: Massive Blaze at Government Office Building in Bhopal Spreads From Third Floor to Sixth (Watch Video).

The tanker caught fire following an accident and exploded causing fiery balls of the chemical to fall on the motorists travelling on the road below, he said. Four motorists on the road below sustained injuries, of which three died, while one occupant of the tanker was killed and two others in the vehicle were injured, said the official from Lonavala police station.

Chemical Tanker Blast

Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, called the accident “unfortunate”.

“Three other persons were injured in the accident and are being treated in a local hospital. I pray for their betterment,” he said on social media. Rishikesh Bus Stand Fire Video: Massive Blaze Erupts at Bus Stations in Uttarakhand, Several Buses Engulfed in Flames.

The state police, highway police, personnel from INS Shivaji and the fire brigade are at the spot and the fire has been brought under control, he said.

The traffic from one side of the highway has resumed. Another side will be opened soon. The situation is being monitored by the state, he added.