Massive Blast at Indian Oil Corporation Refinery in Vadodara: One Dead, Two Injured

Vadodara, Gujarat – A massive explosion occurred at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refinery in Vadodara, Gujarat, late on Monday, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to two others. The blast, which took place in a benzene storage tank, triggered a fire and led to immediate evacuation procedures. Local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the site to bring the situation under control.

Visuals from the scene shared online show thick plumes of smoke billowing from the refinery as workers scrambled to evacuate. Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar, in a statement to PTI, initially reported no casualties but later confirmed one death and two severe injuries. He also noted that a final headcount of workers was being conducted. “A benzene storage tank caught fire after the blast. The affected storage unit has been isolated, and fire tenders have been deployed to contain the blaze,” Komar said.

The fire reportedly broke out around 3:30 p.m., according to an IOC statement quoted by Reuters. Operations in the refinery remain largely unaffected, though the cause of the fire is still under investigation. In line with the refinery’s standard operating procedures, fluid circulation within the complex was halted, and nearby storage tanks were cooled to prevent the fire from spreading further. Workers on the shift were evacuated, and incoming employees were advised to stay away as a precautionary measure.

DCP (Traffic) Jyoti Patel commented that rescue operations were ongoing and that further clarity on the incident would emerge soon. Local MLA Dharmendra Sinh Vaghela, who received updates from the village sarpanch, mentioned that a few people sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. “I spoke to the authorities to understand the cause of the fire. I am on my way to the site to assess the situation directly. We have also called an urgent meeting with the Collector, Deputy Collector, Police, and IOC officers to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future,” he told ANI.

Gujarat: Indian Oil Corporation refinery blast in Vadodara | Videos

#WATCH | Vadodara, Gujarat: Workers evacuate amid rising smoke after a blast occurred at IOCL refinery in Koyali. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/O1aNAoz5u4

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

The IOC refinery in Vadodara is a significant asset, operating as a 13.7 million metric tonnes per annum integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex. It is one of the key energy infrastructure facilities in Gujarat, and this incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols to protect workers and the surrounding communities.

Rescue and fire control efforts are ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all personnel at the site.