A powerful explosion rocked the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refinery in Vadodara, Gujarat, today, with the blast reportedly shaking nearby homes.
The incident occurred around 2 pm at plant units A-1, A-2, and a boiler, where the fire originated. Following a loud explosion, the flames quickly spread to a storage tank, prompting an emergency siren.
Dramatic visuals showed dense smoke rising from the refinery, with residents reporting that the blast was audible up to 8 kilometers away.
Following the explosion, locals evacuated buildings in the vicinity. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, though some workers sustained minor injuries and were treated at local hospitals.
According to DCP Jyoti Patel, rescue efforts are ongoing, and further details will emerge as the situation develops. Officials from the Indian Oil Corporation stated that the cause of the fire is currently unknown. BJP MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela confirmed the absence of any serious injuries.
The Vadodara refinery, a 13.7 million metric tonnes per annum integrated complex, plays a significant role in IOC’s operations within the state.