By Anietie anii-bassey
At least 20 people were injured, including five who remain in critical condition, after a major fire erupted at a petrochemical facility in eastern India on Tuesday, triggering an emergency response and raising concerns about industrial safety in the region.
The fire broke out at a naphtha pipeline inside a plant operated by Haldia Petrochemicals in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of the state capital, Kolkata.
According to local police, the blaze spread rapidly after igniting at the pipeline, sending towering flames and thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. The intense heat caused the fire to extend beyond the facility, affecting several nearby residential homes and prompting emergency services to respond quickly to prevent further damage.
Firefighters deployed 12 fire engines to battle the blaze, working for several hours to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching other sections of the industrial complex. Emergency crews also evacuated people from affected areas while rescue teams assisted those trapped or injured during the incident.
Authorities confirmed that at least 20 people suffered injuries. Among them were employees working at the petrochemical plant as well as at least two security guards stationed at the facility.
Five victims sustained severe burns and other critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they remain under close medical observation. The remaining injured individuals were also treated for burns, smoke inhalation, and other injuries resulting from the fire.
Videos captured at the scene showed firefighters directing powerful streams of water onto the burning pipeline while dense black smoke billowed high above the industrial site. Emergency responders worked amid challenging conditions as flames continued to engulf parts of the facility before eventually being brought under control.
Naphtha, the substance involved in the incident, is a highly flammable petroleum product widely used in the petrochemical industry. It serves as a key raw material in the production of gasoline, plastics, solvents, and numerous industrial chemicals. Because of its highly combustible nature, fires involving naphtha can spread rapidly and require specialized firefighting techniques.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have begun a detailed investigation to establish what triggered the blaze and whether any equipment failure, operational error, or other safety issue contributed to the accident.
Haldia Petrochemicals acknowledged the incident in an official statement, confirming that the company has launched an internal investigation alongside relevant authorities. The company said it is fully cooperating with emergency services and government agencies while prioritizing the medical treatment and welfare of those injured.
Officials are also assessing the extent of the damage to the facility and nearby residential properties. It remains unclear whether operations at the petrochemical plant will be suspended for an extended period while inspections and safety evaluations are carried out.
The incident has renewed attention on industrial safety standards at major petrochemical facilities across India, particularly those handling highly flammable materials. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the fire to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
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