Fire Breaks Out Again at Vadodara IOCL in 40 Days: Probe Underway to Determine Cause
A second fire incident has been reported at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in Vadodara within 40 days. Thick plumes of smoke were seen this evening as a fire broke out at the Gujarat Refinery. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene, but the company’s fire team managed to control the fire, providing relief to everyone. Notably, the report on the first fire incident 40 days ago is still pending, and the cause of this new fire remains unknown.
Tank Explosion Reported Near Vadodara Refinery
In the earlier incident near Vadodara’s Gujarat Refinery, a tank explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of two workers. District authorities had ordered an investigation into the matter, but a report on the cause is yet to be released. Meanwhile, this new fire has added to the concerns. Local police were immediately informed and reached the site, and the rural Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was also notified. The SDM stated that their team is currently gathering information on the extent and cause of the fire.
Second Fire Occurs Before First Incident Report is Finalized
The earlier incident had prompted detailed investigations by various agencies and experts, including the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), local police, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Industrial Safety and Health Department, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). However, the report from these agencies is still pending, and now this second incident has been reported.
Local Fire Team Controls Fire – SDM
In a phone conversation, the rural SDM stated that their team and they personally reached the site immediately after being informed. With the help of the local fire team, the fire was brought under control. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in a cable, but further investigations are underway.
November 11 Explosion Kills Two Workers
On November 11, 2024, a massive explosion occurred at the IOCL refinery in Vadodara’s Koyali area at around 3:30 PM. The explosion caused a severe fire, with thick plumes of smoke visible up to 6 km away. The incident created panic among local residents. Later that evening, at around 8:30 PM, another tank with a capacity of 5,000 liters exploded at the refinery. A major call was issued, and over 35 fire engines from Ahmedabad, Anand, Gandhinagar, and other areas rushed to the scene to control the fire. Unfortunately, two workers lost their lives in this tragic incident.