The tanker caught fire following an accident and exploded causing fiery balls of the chemical to fall on the motorists travelling on the road below, he said.

Four motorists on the road below sustained injuries, of which three died, while one occupant of the tanker was killed and two others in the vehicle were injured, said the official from Lonavala police station.

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths. Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, called the accident "unfortunate".

"Three other persons were injured in the accident and are being treated in a local hospital. I pray for their betterment," he said on social media.

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The state police, highway police, personnel from INS Shivaji and the fire brigade are at the spot and the fire has been brought under control, he said.

The traffic from one side of the highway has resumed. Another side will be opened soon. The situation is being monitored by the state, he added. (With inputs from PTI)