Dibrugarh: A major fire broke out at the Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) of Oil India Limited (OIL) at Tengakhat in Assam’s Dibrugarh district on Friday, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
The incident occurred at around 9:05 am while maintenance work was underway at the facility. The explosion reportedly took place in the crude oil storage section when workers were operating a valve, triggering a massive fire.
One person succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident, while six others suffered burn injuries. The injured were shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh and the Oil India Hospital for treatment.
Five of the injured workers were identified as Tapas Gogoi, 40, of Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh, Shailen Gogoi, 45, Kumud Gogoi, 38, Golap Dutta, 58, and Indra Gogoi, 40. All four? No, the latter four were residents of Tengakhat.
The injured workers were reportedly employed by Spectron Engineers Private Limited, Mumbai, which had been engaged by Oil India Limited for work at the facility.
Several other people are also believed to have sustained injuries, although the exact circumstances leading to the explosion are yet to be officially established.
Following the incident, Oil India’s fire service personnel were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze. The company confirmed that the fire had been brought under control.
The incident has raised concerns over industrial safety during maintenance operations at oil storage facilities. Further details regarding the cause of the explosion and the extent of damage are awaited.
Oil India has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and indicated that further information would be shared as it becomes available.
