Massive fire breaks out at Indian Oil’s Vadodara refinery in Gujarat

Vadodara: A fire broke out in a 1,000-KL Benzene Storage Tank at Indian Oil’s Gujarat refinery in Vadodara on Monday afternoon and videos being shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed thick billowing smoke rising from the site from a distance. While an official statement issued by Indian Oil Corporation didn’t comment on whether casualties have been reported or not, PTI said in a report that a 32-year-old worker has died in the fire which was triggered by a blast. “Today, a fire was reported at around 3:30 PM in a Benzene Storage Tank (1000 KL capacity) at Gujarat Refinery. The refinery’s emergency response team is actively tackling the situation, with firefighting operations currently underway,” said Indian Oil in a statement.

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“The adjacent water sprinkler system has been activated to contain the fire, and dousing efforts are ongoing. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Safety of our employees and surrounding communities remains our utmost priority. The refinery operations are normal. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops,” it added.

Benzene is a component of crude oil and is a colourless, highly inflammable and volatile liquid. Since it is heavier than air, its vapours can accumulate in poorly ventilated and low-lying areas.

“Contractual worker Dhimant Makwana died in the fire at the refinery,” PTI quoted Jawaharnagar police station inspector AB Mori as saying.

(With PTI inputs)

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