At least 16 to 17 people were injured after a massive fire broke out at a Haldia Petrochemicals plant in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on Tuesday after an alleged rupture in a naphtha pipeline triggered a blaze that spread across the area. Six of the injured are critical, the police said.
Hospital sources said the injured were first rushed to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital, before the critically injured were transferred to Tamluk District Hospital. Six of them have been referred to Kolkata for advanced treatment.
Twelve fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, where firefighters continue efforts to bring the situation under control. Senior police and district administration officials are overseeing rescue and firefighting operations.
Locals said the incident occurred around 4.30 am, shortly after a lightning strike. The pipeline reportedly ignited within moments, triggering a massive blaze. Several residents who had stepped outside at the time were caught in the fire and sustained injuries.
Local MLA Pradip Bijali visited the site and praised the administration’s prompt response. He assured that all necessary arrangements were being made for the treatment of the injured.
“Sixteen to 17 people were injured in the fire. Of these, six are critical and have been shifted to Kolkata. We suspect that a leakage led to the fire, but a formal investigation will reveal the exact cause,” Superintendent of Police Anshuman Saha told the media.
The exact cause of the pipeline rupture is yet to be established. The police and Haldia Petrochemicals have launched an investigation into the incident.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred at our Haldia facility, in which a few people have reportedly sustained injuries. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are extending all necessary support to the concerned authorities,” a statement by Haldia Petrochemicals said.
“Preliminary information suggests that the incident may have occurred in the vicinity of an unauthorised naphtha theft point located in the plant’s vicinity. Naphtha is a highly combustible and extremely flammable hydrocarbon, and the company has consistently cautioned local communities against any unauthorised access to or handling of petroleum products due to the serious safety risks involved,” it added.
The company said that the exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation. “At this stage, it would be premature to comment further or attribute responsibility until the investigation is complete,” it added.
Train services between Haldia and Durgachak were suspended following the incident. While 38052 Haldia-Howrah Local will be cancelled, 38051 Howrah-Haldia Local will be short-terminated at Durgachak, and 38054 Haldia-Panskura Local will be short-originated from Durgachak, the authorities said. Services will resume once rectification work is complete.