More than 10 people were injured after a fire erupted in a naphtha pipeline connected to the Haldia Refinery in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering a large-scale emergency response and disrupting railway operations in the area.
The fire was first reported around 2.45 am and soon reached Chiranjibpur in Ward 13 of Haldia Municipality. Officials said 12 fire tenders were rushed to the site, while firefighting operations continued for several hours to contain the flames.
Fire spreads beyond refinery premises
According to officials, several nearby houses were engulfed after the flames spread from the pipeline. The injured sustained burn injuries and were shifted to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Five of the injured were later referred to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital, where two were reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities cordoned off the affected area to facilitate rescue and firefighting operations while assessing the extent of the damage.
“The area has been secured, and firefighting operations are continuing. The exact cause of the incident will be known only after a detailed investigation,” a police officer said.
Railway infrastructure damaged, probe underway
The fire also damaged overhead railway equipment near the accident site, leading to disruptions in train services passing through the corridor. Railway officials are assessing the damage and restoration work is expected to begin after the fire is completely brought under control.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the pipeline fire. A detailed investigation will be carried out after the site is declared safe, while authorities continue to monitor the situation and assist affected residents.