Another Explosion at Vadodara's IOCL Refinery Leaves One Dead, Multiple Injured

Vadodara/Ahmedabad, November 11 In a tragic turn of events, a massive explosion shook the IOCL refinery in Vadodara’s Koyali area at around 3:30 PM today, leading to an intense fire that could be seen billowing smoke up to six kilometers away. Panic spread quickly among nearby residents as fire crews and emergency responders rushed to control the blaze. Hours later, around 8:30 PM, yet another blast occurred in a separate tank at the refinery, prompting further emergency response.

Local fire departments have declared a state of emergency as firefighting units from Ahmedabad, Anand, Halol, Ankleshwar, and rural Vadodara have been deployed to assist. Tragically, one refinery employee succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire, while two others remain in stable condition. A firefighter working to contain the blaze also sustained injuries and has been admitted to the hospital.

A Persistent Blaze and Ongoing Battle

Firefighters have been battling the blaze for over five hours. Initial reports from refinery sources indicate the fire originated in a benzene storage tank with a 1,000-kiloliter capacity. Emergency response teams at the refinery activated water spray systems and are using foam to subdue the flames. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, and officials have yet to issue a clear statement.

The explosion reportedly shattered windows and doors in buildings within a one-kilometer radius. High-ranking officials, police, and firefighting personnel are on the scene, and additional CISF personnel have been deployed at the refinery gates to manage the situation.

Community on Alert

J.M. Mahida, the regional officer from the Pollution Control Board, shared that while no toxic leaks have been detected, residents in surrounding villages have been put on alert. The smoke could potentially cause environmental hazards, with officials monitoring the air quality closely.

The refinery has allowed workers to vacate the premises for their safety, with ambulances stationed nearby to assist any affected individuals. High-ranking government officials have refrained from releasing detailed information, causing growing concern within the community as firefighting efforts continue.

The IOCL refinery fire serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in industrial operations and the critical importance of effective emergency response. As the situation unfolds, updates will continue to be provided to ensure community safety and transparency.