A major fire broke out in a naphtha pipeline at Haldia in East Medinipur in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering panic and leaving at least 35 people injured, several of them critically.
The incident occurred around 4:00 am along a pipeline belonging to Haldia Petrochemicals, located beside the railway line connecting Haldia and Panskura. According to preliminary reports, the blaze was preceded by a lightning strike, which is suspected to have caused a rupture in the pipeline, leading to the sudden outbreak of fire.
The intensity of the flames led to rapid spread, catching several workers on duty off guard. Local residents rushed to the site immediately after the incident to assist in rescue efforts. Fire services responded swiftly, with two fire tenders arriving initially, followed by additional units to bring the situation under control.
At least 35 people sustained injuries in the incident, with five reported to be in critical condition. The injured were first taken to Haldia Sub-divisional Hospital. Due to the severity of burns suffered by some victims, five individuals, along with several others, were later shifted to Tamluk Hospital for advanced treatment. The remaining injured continue to receive care at Haldia Hospital.
Haldia MLA Tapasi Mondal visited the site soon after the incident to take stock of the situation. She assured the victims and their families that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure proper medical treatment and support.
Authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the pipeline rupture. While initial speculation points to the lightning strike as the trigger, officials from the fire department and Haldia Petrochemicals, along with the police, are examining all possible factors.
As a precautionary measure, train services along the affected route were temporarily suspended due to the proximity of the fire to the railway line. Although the situation is now under control, fear and anxiety persist among local residents.
The incident comes close on the heels of last week’s Taratala warehouse collapse, in which multiple workers lost their lives and several others were critically injured. With yet another industrial accident occurring within a short span, concerns over worker safety and infrastructure standards have intensified across the state.
Also read: Kolkata warehouse collapse: Four killed, several trapped
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