Two Families Mourn Loss of Sons in IOCL Refinery Accident: Dhimant’s Father Searches Desperately, Shailesh’s Father Unaware

In a devastating incident, two consecutive blasts at the IOCL Gujarat Refinery located in Koyali, Vadodara, sent shockwaves across the entire village. The first blast claimed the life of Dhimant Makwana, a 34-year-old resident of Tarapur village in Anand district. Shortly after, a second explosion took the life of Shailesh Makwana, a 22-year-old local from Koyali village.

Both families are overwhelmed with grief, as these young lives were lost in such a tragic manner. Dhimant’s family endured the agony of waiting to see him, without any updates from officials on his condition. Only when they reached him did they learn that he was no longer alive. 

Meanwhile, Shailesh’s father, Sanabhai, remains unaware of his son’s passing, as he was on a pilgrimage in Dwarka. Without revealing the tragic news, he was sent back to Vadodara on a late-night train.

Tragic Loss as Second Blast Claims Life of Shailesh Makwana: Relative’s Account

Rajeshbhai Gohil, a relative of the deceased Shailesh Makwana, shared heartbreaking details about the tragic fire that erupted at the Gujarat Refinery in Koyali, where Shailesh lost his life. Shailesh worked in the refinery’s canteen. 

After the first blast, Shailesh received a call from an official asking him to deliver breakfast to the area where firefighting efforts were underway. As he was leaving after delivering the food, a second blast occurred, injuring him severely. He was immediately rushed to the refinery hospital, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.

Father Unaware of Son’s Death During Pilgrimage to Dwarka

Rajeshbhai Gohil further revealed that Shailesh Makwana had not worn a mask while working and was brought in after collapsing due to exhaustion. He was later transferred to Tricolor Hospital for advanced treatment, where doctors attempted to restart his heart but ultimately declared him dead. 

Shailesh is survived by his wife and two young children. At the time of the incident, Shailesh’s father was on a pilgrimage to Dwarka. Without informing him about his son’s tragic demise, he was sent back to Vadodara by train late at night.

Village Gripped by Fear, Sleepless Nights Amid Refinery Blast Aftermath

Rajeshbhai Gohil added that Koyali village is now living in a state of fear, with every resident’s life filled with anxiety. “The whole village hasn’t slept all night,” he said, as people constantly check in with one another, asking what’s happening, but there has been no communication from refinery officials. Villagers hope the fire will be controlled soon. 

Surrounding areas, including Koyali and Karachiya, are also engulfed in fear. Despite villagers having given their land for the refinery, officials still show favoritism in hiring contract workers. Fatal incidents often occur within the refinery, yet these tragedies seldom come to light.

“The Pillar of the Family Has Fallen”

Rajeshbhai Gohil further shared that Shailesh Makwana’s family was financially struggling, with Shailesh being the sole breadwinner. In addition to his job, he ran a vegetable cart to support his family. “Today, the pillar of the family has fallen,” he expressed, describing the family’s immense loss and grief. The family is devastated, and they are calling for one of Shailesh’s family members to be offered employment and appropriate compensation to support them in this difficult time.

“We Are Left in the Dark with No Answers”: Sureshbhai Makwana

Sureshbhai Makwana, father of the deceased Dhimant Makwana, expressed his frustration, stating, “My son had been working at the refinery for the past three years. When the fire broke out, we rushed to the refinery immediately. Since 8 p.m., we have been searching for answers, but there has been no response from the authorities.” 

Sureshbhai added that his son also leaves behind a 6-year-old child. “We are left here, struggling for information, but no one is willing to provide us with answers.”