One dead, one injured in fire mishap at BPCL plant in Kochi

Kochi Refineries plays a crucial role in the supply of petroleum products across Kerala
Injured workers were involved in the maintenance work of power generation plant
The deceased had suffered 90% burn injuries

One dead one injured fire mishap BPCL plant Kochi

In a tragic incident, a contract worker lost life in an explosion at the oil refinery at Kochi, operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Another worker was admitted to hospital after he suffered serious burn injuries in the blast that took place in the electricity generation plant at the state-owned refinery.

The deceased is identified as Arun Bhaskaran, 30, a native of Puthencruze. He had suffered 90% burns. Though Bhaskaran was rushed to the hospital, his life could not be saved. Mulanthuruhty native Velayudhan, 53, who suffered serious injuries is admitted to hospital.

The mishap happened at the electricity generation plant at the oil refinery. It was shut temporarily for maintenance works. It is suspected that an electric fire triggered the explosion as the plant works on Liquified Petroleum Gas.

Fire spread fast and was doused only after Fire and Rescue Services arrived at the spot.

Kochi Refineries plays a crucial role in the supply of petroleum products in Kerala. It produces 190, 000 barrels per day. However, the incident did not affect the production of the plant.

BPCL aims to expand the capacity of the refinery to 310, 000 barrels per day by 2017-18 fiscal year.

Last Updated Mar 31, 2018, 6:56 PM IST