UPDATE: Fire at IOCL Refinery was Triggered by Blast, Claimed 2 Lives

A fire broke out at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.’s (IOCL) Koyali refinery in Gujarat on November 11 late afternoon. According to PTI, the fire was caused by a blast in tanks of plant number A-1, A-2 and a boiler at the refinery. The blast triggered a chain reaction, and the fire spread to two adjoining tanks. The facility’s water sprinkler system got immediately activated, and rescue ops continued till wee hours of Tuesday morning.

According to IOCL officials, the fire was reported in the refinery’s one of the benzene tanks of 1,000 KL capacity. The local police have confirmed that the massive fire claimed lives of two contractual workers. One other IOCL official was injured and rushed to the hospital. He is said to be stable and recovering.

The officials at IOCL confirmed the news, stating that investigation about the exact cause of blast is underway. Workers were rescued and the ones arriving for the next shift were sent back after the fire. The blast and fire apparently shook the region, with locals reporting feeling the tremors in their homes. The locals also reported that the thick plumes of smoke were visible from as far as 8kms.

The refinery was shut for operation on the day, and operations might be further disrupted in the coming days.

This is a developing story; we will update this space as and when more information is available.