At least three people have been reported killed and while 44 others were injured in a fire that broke out at the premises of state-owned Naptha-Hydrogen mixing plant at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in West Bengal's Haldia.
The injured have been shifted to hospitals Kolkata, the Chairman-In-Council of Haldia Municipality SK Ajgar Ali said. Reportedly, the injured have been admitted to the IOCL Hospital and Kolkata Port Trust Hospital.
According to the latest reports, the injured workers were been brought to Kolkata by making a āgreen corridorā.
According to an eyewitness, a mock drill was going on inside the tower and suddenly during the evening after a blast, a fire broke out which claimed three lives on the spot.
āDuring the mock drill, afire broke out and due to the presence of flammable products, the fire had spread which couldnāt have been tackled,ā said an eye witness.
According to a statement issued by Haldia Refinery, āHaldia Refinery is undertaking shutdown and maintenance of various major units. In the MSQ unit, during shutdown related works, the incident occurred. The primary cause seems to be a flash fire leading to burning injuries to 44 persons and 3 persons have unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. The fire has been immediately extinguished and the situation is under control.ā
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed remorse over the loss of lives in the accident. "Deeply anguished by the fire in IOC, Haldia. Three precious lives were lost and my thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Those injured are being brought to Kolkata through a green corridor. GoWB will extend all assistance to ensure their speedy recovery", the chief minister tweeted.
The District Administrationās support has been solicited to ensure immediate evacuation of the injured. A green corridor has been operationalized with the support of the District Administration for shifting the injured and critical cases to institutes of higher medical management.
