A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-laden tanker overturned at Aripra on the National Highway 966 between Perinthalmanna and Malappuram on Sunday, causing panic among people and forcing the authorities to clamp an emergency-like situation.

Gas began leaking soon after the tanker overturned at a sharp curve at Aripra in the morning. Police and fire brigade cordoned off the area and evacuated people from homes in the nearby area.

Water was sprayed on the tanker. Traffic along the highway was diverted from Tirurkad and Valluvamburam.

The tanker belonging to Hindustan Petroleum was heading for Coimbatore from Mangaluru. Experts plugged the leak, and then transferred the gas to two other tankers. The bullet and the truck were lifted by evening.