A major explosion occurred at the Indian Oil Corporation refinery on the Agra-Delhi National Highway on Tuesday, according to police. The incident has left at least 12 people injured.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud blast followed by towering flames rising from the refinery in Mathura, with the fire visible from several kilometers away.

The explosion occurred around 8:30 pm while the main plant was being restarted after a month-and-a-half-long shutdown.

According to initial reports, 10 to 12 workers were injured in the fire, with four in critical condition, police said. The injured were initially treated at the refinery’s hospital. However, the four critically injured individuals were later transferred to a private hospital in the city for further care.

While the refinery administration and district authorities have not yet released an official statement, Inspector Sonu Kumar from the refinery police station confirmed the incident. The explosion was heard between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm, injuring several workers near the main plant, Inspector Kumar reported.

Initially, the refinery attempted to control the fire internally and, after containing the blaze, notified local authorities, he added.

The injured were first treated on-site, but four critically injured workers were admitted to the ICU at City Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Hospital. All affected workers are currently reported to be in stable condition, with those in critical condition under close monitoring, Kumar said.

In a statement, Renu Pathak, Senior Corporate Manager of Mathura Refinery, said about 12 people were injured in the incident. “The management of the refinery has ordered a probe to determine the cause of the explosion,” she said, PTI reported.

According to Pathak, one employee suffered 50 per cent burn injuries, while two others sustained 20 per cent burn injuries. The remaining five workers, with relatively minor injuries, are currently receiving treatment at the refinery’s hospital.

She added that the situation is now under control, and the fire is fully extinguished.

(With PTI inputs)