Bhubaneswar, July 31: A major disaster was narrowly averted in Odisha's capital after an underground GAIL India gas pipeline was accidentally damaged during excavation work for a temple construction project, triggering a gas leak and panic among local residents.

According to sources, a JCB excavator was engaged in digging work at the construction site when it inadvertently ruptured a major underground natural gas pipeline belonging to GAIL India.

The rupture resulted in a continuous gas leak for nearly 40 minutes, causing gas to spread across the surrounding area. Alarmed by the strong smell and the possibility of an explosion, residents rushed out of their homes, while tension gripped the locality.

Soon after receiving information, officials from the district administration, police, fire services and GAIL India rushed to the spot. As a precautionary measure, the area was cordoned off, public movement was restricted and emergency response teams remained on standby to prevent any fire or explosion.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel deployed fire tenders and took necessary safety measures while GAIL India's technical team worked to isolate the damaged section. The engineers successfully shut the main valve of the affected pipeline, bringing the gas leak under control.

Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of the emergency agencies, the situation was contained without any reported injuries or damage to nearby properties. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the pipeline being struck during the excavation work and review safety protocols for construction activities near underground utility lines.