INDIA – Massive Fire at Bengal’s HPL Plant Injures 35, Investigation Underway
A major fire erupted at the Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) plant in Haldia, West Bengal, early Tuesday, leaving at least 35 workers with burn injuries, several of them critically. Firefighters deployed 12 fire tenders to the site, but the blaze had not been fully contained at the time of reporting.
The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. when a naphtha pipeline caught fire inside the industrial complex. The flames spread rapidly, triggering panic across the surrounding industrial township and forcing an immediate emergency response.
District officials said the injured were first taken to Haldia Subdivisional Hospital for treatment. Those with severe burn injuries were later shifted to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital for specialised medical care. Authorities had not confirmed any fatalities.
Firefighting operations began with two fire engines before additional units were dispatched, bringing the total to 12. Emergency crews continued working to control the blaze for several hours.
Eyewitnesses said the fire intensified within minutes, engulfing the pipeline area and injuring workers stationed nearby. Residents in the vicinity reportedly joined the initial rescue efforts before personnel from the state fire services reached the site.
The fire also affected transportation in the region. As the affected section lies close to the railway line connecting Haldia and Panskura, train services on the route were temporarily suspended as a safety precaution.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. While officials have not reached a conclusion, preliminary reports indicate that a possible leak in the naphtha pipeline may have triggered the fire.
In a preliminary statement, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited said the incident may have occurred near an alleged unauthorised naphtha theft point in the vicinity of the plant. The company emphasised that naphtha is a highly flammable petroleum product and reiterated that it has consistently warned local communities against unauthorised handling of such materials because of the significant safety risks involved.
HPL added that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine the exact cause of the incident. The company said it would refrain from making further comments or assigning responsibility until the official investigation is complete.
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