Blast triggers fire at IOC Refinery in Vadodara,1 dies

In Gujarat, a fire broke out at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Vadodara’s Koyali area on Monday following a blast in one of its storage tanks, causing thick smoke to billow across the region. The incident occurred around 4 p.m., and while the blaze was intense, one worker died in a fire triggered by a blast."Contractual worker Dhimant Makwana died in the fire at the refinery," said Jawaharnagar police station inspector AB Mori.
According to information,the explosion took place in a benzene storage tank, which ignited a fire visible from kilometers away. Emergency response teams quickly evacuated workers from the facility, and additional personnel scheduled for later shifts were instructed to return home as a precautionary measure. Firefighters were deployed to the site immediately and have isolated the affected storage unit to prevent the blaze from spreading.
Officials reportedly stated that all employees had been safely evacuated, with a head count underway to confirm no one was missing. Operations involving fluid circulation within the refinery complex were halted as part of the refinery’s standard emergency procedures. 
Local authorities, district administration officials, and senior IOCL executives are on-site coordinating the response. Local MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela reportedly noted that while no major injuries have been reported, a few individuals with minor injuries have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue and containment efforts are ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of the facility and surrounding areas.

(State Correspondent)