VASCO: It was a display of professionalism and concerted efforts by multiple fire fighting agencies, as dozens of fire fighters braved considerable risk for nine hours to control the leaking ammonia from the toppled tanker at Chicalim.
Speaking to reporters, Vasco Fire Station Officer Fransisco Mendes said the leaking ammonia had spread to around 500 mtrs after it began to leak.
“It was a very difficult and delicate operation as water cannot be sprayed with force on the leaking ammonia since it moves in the air. Water has to be sprayed slowly and carefully to get it under control,” explained Mendes.
“It took us nine hours and about 90,000 litres of water to control the leaking ammonia and to transport the tanker back to ZACL. The first one hour was extremely difficult, but as time
passed by we were more confident of tackling the
situation.”
“We had to adopt a ‘water blanket system’ to bring the situation in total control. A fire blanket system is to surround the tanker from all corners and slowly spray water every time the gas leaks out. We had to use this system as every time we tried to get the tanker upright, the gas kept leaking,” informed Mendes.
“By about 10.15 am, we had full control on the leaking ammonia and also had total hang of spraying water on the leaked gas. The tanker was towed after the tyres were replaced as they had burst after the accident,” added Mendes.
“While the tanker was being towed back to the factory at about 12.30 pm, we had to ensure there was no risk. The tanker was tied to another tanker. We then put one Vasco station fire tender in the front and one Zuari fire tender at the back and slowly towed the tanker back to the factory depot,” informed Mendes.
