Mumbai: The Mumbai Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded compensation in three separate cases related to a 2016 tanker fire incident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and caused serious injuries to a third.
The tribunal passed individual compensation orders against the transportation company whose tanker carrying inflammable liquid caught fire during the accident.
The incident, which occurred in December 2016, claimed the lives of a 47-year-old truck driver and a 20-year-old cleaner, both of whom were traveling in a truck directly behind the offending tanker. The third petitioner, an advocate by profession, sustained severe facial and limb burns in the same incident.
According to case details, on December 11, 2016, a tanker transporting inflammable benzene oil was traveling at high speed on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. At around 12:30 p.m., the driver of the tanker suddenly applied brakes, causing a truck following behind to crash into it. The collision triggered a massive fire, engulfing the truck that collided with the tanker.
The deceased have been identified as Ramesh Khot, who was driving the truck, and Rajat Gawade, the cleaner. Both succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained in the fire.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Patil (30), a resident of Mahim, was traveling in his car on the same route. His car also caught fire during the incident, and he suffered serious burn injuries including second-degree burns on his left forearm, facial burns on the left side of his face, and other injuries. He was admitted to Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital for treatment.
In his petition, Ajinkya stated that at the time of the accident, he was employed as an advocate with Udwadia and Company at CST, Mumbai.
The transport agency, M/s Amit Roadlines, failed to respond to the case, while the insurance company contended that although the offending vehicle was insured under a Commercial Vehicle Package Policy for the period from October 9, 2016, to October 8, 2017, it did not have a separate transit policy for carrying hazardous goods. The insurer argued that in the absence of such coverage, it was not liable to pay compensation.
After hearing all arguments, the tribunal, presided over by Judge Sanjay Choudante, rejected the insurer’s defense and held both the transport agency and the insurance company jointly liable.
The tribunal awarded compensation as follows: Rs 6,89,573 to Ajinkya Patil for injuries and medical expenses, Rs 32,31,000 to the family of Ramesh Khot, the deceased driver and Rs 16,44,000 to the family of Rajat Gawade, the deceased cleaner.
