Haldia Petrochemicals Fire Injures Over 20
A major fire broke out in a naphtha-carrying pipeline at Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district early Tuesday, injuring more than 20 people and damaging nearby homes and railway infrastructure.
Haldia Petrochemicals Fire Injures Over 20
The blaze was reported around 2.45 am near Haldia Petrochemicals’ naphtha pipeline and quickly spread to Chiranjibpur in Ward 13 of Haldia Municipality. Several houses in the area were engulfed by flames as thick smoke rose from the site.
More than 20 people, mostly local residents, suffered burn injuries. Five of them were reported to be in critical condition. The injured were first taken to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital, while some were later shifted to hospitals in Tamluk and Kolkata for further treatment.
Naphtha Pipeline Leak Under Probe
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Initial suspicion points to a leak in the naphtha pipeline, though authorities have not confirmed the final reason behind the blaze.
Haldia Petrochemicals said preliminary information suggested the incident may have occurred near an unauthorised naphtha theft point close to the plant. The company said its operations had not been affected so far and that it was cooperating with investigating agencies.
Train Services Disrupted In Haldia
The fire also damaged overhead railway equipment near the site, disrupting train services on the Haldia-Mecheda route. The Haldia-Howrah local train was delayed as a precautionary measure after flames reached close to the railway tracks.
Firefighters used foam and other materials to bring the blaze under control. Authorities secured the affected area while emergency teams continued cooling operations.
