Haldia: A massive fire erupted in a naphtha pipeline at the Haldia refinery in West Bengal in the early hours of Tuesday, injuring about 20 people, officials said.
Those hurt were pulled from the scene and taken to Haldia Sub‑Divisional Hospital, and a police officer told PTI that five were later moved to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital, where two were said to be in critical condition.
An official said the flames were first noticed at around 2.45 am and rapidly spread toward Chiranjibpur in ward 13 of Haldia Municipality, setting several nearby houses alight. Fire crews deployed twelve engines and remain on site, battling the blaze, while the exact cause has not yet been established.
Police later put the number of injured at over 20 after the major fire broke out in a naphtha‑carrying pipeline at Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) in Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, authorities told PTI.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred at our Haldia facility, in which a few people have reportedly sustained injuries. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are extending all necessary support to the concerned authorities,” it said.
Company sources said initial information pointed to the fire originating near an unauthorised naphtha theft point inside the plant area.
“The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation in coordination with the relevant authorities. At this stage, it would be premature to comment further or attribute responsibility until the investigation is complete,” the petrochemical firm said.
Haldia Train Services Impact
The blaze also damaged overhead railway equipment close to the plant, forcing disruption to rail services in the area.
Early‑morning passengers travelling from Haldia toward Panskura and Howrah were affected after services were halted; the morning Haldia train was delayed as flames drew dangerously near the tracks, The Times of India reported, leaving daily commuters facing inconvenience.
