Fire breaks out at Haldia Petrochemicals pipeline in West Bengal, injuries reported
Haldia, June 30
A fire broke out at a pipeline of Haldia Petrochemicals Limited in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district on Tuesday, leaving a few people reportedly injured, the company said.
In a statement, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) said it was aware of the incident at its Haldia facility and was extending all necessary support to the concerned authorities.
"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," HPL said.
The statement further added, "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.
Meanwhile, South Eastern Railway said train movement between Haldia and Durgachak in the Kharagpur Division was suspended from 5:20 am due to a gas pipe burst near Silpa Pravesh Gate.
Railway authorities said the 38052 Haldia-Howrah Local remained cancelled on June 30, while the 38051 Howrah-Haldia Local was short-terminated at Durgachak. The 38054 Haldia-Panskura Local was short-originated from Durgachak.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Oh no! I have family in Howrah who use that local train. At least the railway acted quickly with cancellations. But why are these pipelines near residential areas? We need stricter safety norms in industrial zones. 🙏
Calling it 'unauthorised naphtha theft point' is just passing the buck. Companies should monitor their own infrastructure better. Hope the investigation is thorough and doesn't get swept under the rug. Our safety is not negotiable.
As someone from the US working in petrochemicals, I can say these incidents are often preventable. Good on HPL for cooperating with authorities, but they need to explain why a theft point existed undetected. Safety audits should be mandatory.
My prayers are with the injured and their families. 🙏 Also, the railways have done well to suspend train movement—better safe than sorry. But this shows how one industrial accident can disrupt daily life for thousands. Time for HPL to step up.
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