A major fire erupted at the Haldia Oil Refinery in Purba Medinipur early Tuesday morning, originating from a naphtha pipeline and spreading rapidly to the nearby Chiranjeevpur area, destroying several shanties and injuring at least 20 people, primarily factory workers, with two in critical condition, following what locals described as a loud explosion and eyewitnesses reporting toxic smoke. Firefighters deployed twelve engines, using high-pressure water and chemical foam to combat the blaze, which authorities are investigating, with the fire department suggesting a lightning strike as a possible cause amidst heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, while the Haldia Petrochemical Authority and local MLA Tapsi Mondal confirmed that arrangements for the injured are in place and a full review is underway.

A major fire erupted at the Haldia Oil Refinery in Purba Medinipur early Tuesday morning, originating from a naphtha pipeline and spreading rapidly to the nearby Chiranjeevpur area, destroying several shanties and injuring at least 20 people, primarily factory workers, with two in critical condition, following what locals described as a loud explosion and eyewitnesses reporting toxic smoke. Firefighters deployed twelve engines, using high-pressure water and chemical foam to combat the blaze, which authorities are investigating, with the fire department suggesting a lightning strike as a possible cause amidst heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, while the Haldia Petrochemical Authority and local MLA Tapsi Mondal confirmed that arrangements for the injured are in place and a full review is underway.

A major fire erupted at the Haldia Oil Refinery in Purba Medinipur early Tuesday morning, originating from a naphtha pipeline and spreading rapidly to the nearby Chiranjeevpur area, destroying several shanties and injuring at least 20 people, primarily factory workers, with two in critical condition, following what locals described as a loud explosion and eyewitnesses reporting toxic smoke. Firefighters deployed twelve engines, using high-pressure water and chemical foam to combat the blaze, which authorities are investigating, with the fire department suggesting a lightning strike as a possible cause amidst heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, while the Haldia Petrochemical Authority and local MLA Tapsi Mondal confirmed that arrangements for the injured are in place and a full review is underway.

At least 15 people were injured in a massive fire that broke out in a pipeline carrying naphtha at Haldia Oil Refinery in Purba Medinar in the early hours of Tuesday.

The fire was first called in at about 2:45 am.

The blaze then spread rapidly to the Chiranjeevpur area around ward 13 of Haldia municipality. Several shanties were destroyed after the fire crossed the factory boundaries, local reports say.

About twelve fire engines were deployed to the spot. Since the fire was caused by chemicals, firefighters used high-pressure water along with chemical foam.

Most of the injured were workers inside the factory.

They were transported to the Haldia Subdistrict hospital. Two are reportedly in a critical condition.

According to locals, the blaze broke out after a sudden loud explosion in the refinery's petrochemicals pipeline. The fire reportedly came into contact with naphtha, which reportedly leaked from the pipes, causing it to spread rapidly.

Eyewitness reports said that the the fires caused a coil of toxic smoke to engulf the area. The blaze caused widespread panic, and people rushed out of their homes.

The fire department told local news that the blaze may have started after a lightning strike. Eyewitnesses said that there was heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area. The Haldia Petrochemical Authority and the police have already started an investigation into the incident.

The department also had difficulty putting out the blaze.

Haldia MLA Tapsi Mondal said that the administration had made arrangements for the treatment of the injured.

Haldia Petrochemical said that the situation is being reviewed and that more details will be released after a probe. They also said that the exact cause is still being reviewed. "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."

"Preliminary information suggests that the incident may have occurred in the vicinity of an unauthorised naphtha theft point located in the plant vicinity. The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation in coordination with the relevant authorities. At this stage, it would be premature to comment further or attribute responsibility until the investigation is complete," the statement read.

Locals who spoke to TV9 Bangla said that they had been smelling gas for some time and that they had informed factory authorities. They alleged that no action was taken.

The fire has caused disruptions in the rail services on the Haldia-Panchkura route. The South Eastern Railway announced that the Asansol-Haldia Express will be diverted till Tamluk. The Haldia-Asansol Express will also depart from Tamluk for Asansol.

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