Haldia Petrochemicals incident: 17 injured, gas leak suspected

At least 17 people were injured, with six serious, following a suspected gas leak at a Haldia Petrochemicals facility in West Bengal. The company said the incident occurred near an unauthorised naphtha theft point. Train services were also affected.

At least 16 to 17 people were injured following an incident at a pipeline facility of Haldia Petrochemicals in Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

Police Probe Suspected Gas Leak

Purba Medinipur Superintendent of Police Angshuman Saha said that police received information about a possible incident between 2:00 and 2:30 am, after which teams were immediately rushed to the spot. "Around 2:00 to 2:30 AM, the police received information regarding a potential issue at the site where work was underway...Reports indicate that 16 to 17 people were injured; of these, six sustained serious injuries and have been shifted to the hospital. Preliminary information suggests a gas leak...We will investigate further to determine if there were any other underlying causes, but based on current information, the incident appears to be linked to a gas leak," SP Saha told reporters.

Company Points to Unauthorised Naphtha Theft

In a statement, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited said the incident occurred near an unauthorised naphtha theft point within the plant premises. "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," the statement said.

They further added that, "Preliminary information suggests that the incident may have occurred in the vicinity of an unauthorised naphtha theft point located in the plant vicinity. 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."

Train Services Disrupted

Meanwhile, South Eastern Railway said train movement between Haldia and Durgachak in the Kharagpur Division was suspended from 5:20 am due to a gas pipe burst near Silpa Pravesh Gate.

Railway authorities said the 38052 Haldia-Howrah Local remained cancelled on June 30, while the 38051 Howrah-Haldia Local was short-terminated at Durgachak. The 38054 Haldia-Panskura Local was short-originated from Durgachak. (ANI)

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