A powerful explosion at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Koyali, Vadodara, triggered a massive fire on Monday afternoon, November 11, 2024. The blast occurred around 3:30 p.m., leading to thick smoke plumes visible from several kilometres away. The fire was reportedly contained within a benzene storage tank with a 1,000 KL capacity.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Following the explosion, workers present at the refinery were evacuated promptly. Fortunately, initial reports suggest that no fatalities have been confirmed. While there have been some minor injuries, the victims have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Local authorities, including MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela, confirmed that rescue operations are currently ongoing, and the situation is being closely monitored.
Ongoing Firefighting Operations
The refinery’s emergency response team has been actively engaged in firefighting efforts since the incident. In addition to the manual dousing measures, the refinery’s water sprinkler system has been activated to further suppress the flames. A spokesperson for IOCL stated that the fire was still being contained as of Monday evening, but efforts to bring the situation under control are progressing.
Cause and Investigation
At present, the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. The authorities have assured the public that investigations will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident. The safety of employees and the surrounding community continues to be the primary focus of the response operations.
Refinery Operations Uninterrupted
Despite the ongoing fire, IOCL confirmed that refinery operations are continuing as usual. The company has promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available and the situation develops.
This incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols at industrial facilities, and the authorities are committed to ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated to prevent future occurrences.
With inputs from PTI
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