Lorry rams liquid oxygen road tanker causing leak

As per TV news channel visuals and reports, today afternoon, a lorry collided with a liquid oxygen carrying tanker causing leakage of liquid oxygen, with white clouds all around. As per visuals, it is found that a few firefighters were spraying the water, whereas most of others were recording the incident in their mobile, standing in the white clouds.

Then, somebody made a statement that it is only oxygen and is not a harmful gas.

As per reports, for about 100 m radius, there was poor visibility for two hours. Vehicles moving in the area were sent back by 500 m as a precautionary measure.

Pure oxygen, though, not combustible, can accelerate combustion. The cryogenic liquid can even cause frost bites. Metals soaked in rich oxygen can catch fire easily. Similarly, persons exposed for long duration above 35% oxygen concentration can suffer lung damage and eye damage.

As per some recommendations (I remember Indian Chemical Manufacturers' Association - ICMA), in case of any accident, the vehicle is to be taken aside, and initially, about 300 m radius is to be cordoned to prevent persons approach.

It is very dangerous, the way, persons are seen moving around.

A document on fire hazards of oxygen and enriched oxygen atmospheres by Asia Industrial Gases Association, Singapore HERE can help persons ignorant of oxygen hazards, who think that oxygen is a safe gas.