30 Injured as Naphtha Pipeline Fire Engulfs Haldia Petrochemicals Plant
At least 30 people were injured after a naphtha pipeline ruptured and caught fire at the Haldia Petrochemicals plant in West Bengal's East Midnapore district early on Tuesday. The blaze, which began around 4:30 am, is suspected to have been triggered by a lightning strike, according to local reports.
Among the injured, 14 suffered severe burns and were initially taken to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital. Critically injured patients were later transferred to Tamluk District Hospital, and six were referred to hospitals in Kolkata for advanced treatment.
Firefighters deployed 12 fire tenders to the site and were working to bring the fire under control as of Tuesday morning. Senior police and district administration officials are overseeing rescue and firefighting operations.
The Haldia Petrochemicals plant is a major industrial facility in the region. The cause of the pipeline rupture is under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed the role of lightning, and further details are awaited.
