Massive Blaze in Haldia Pipeline, Over 10 Injured, Houses Engulfed as Fire Spreads Rapidly

A major industrial accident shook West Bengal’s Haldia in the early hours of Tuesday after a fire broke out in a naphtha-carrying pipeline of Haldia Petrochemicals, leaving more than 10 people injured and triggering panic in nearby residential areas.

According to officials, the fire was first reported around 2:45 AM, and within minutes, it spread rapidly to Chiranjibpur in Ward 13 of Haldia Municipality, engulfing multiple houses and forcing residents to flee.

Emergency response teams rushed to the spot, deploying at least 12 fire tenders to bring the blaze under control. Firefighting operations were still ongoing at the time of reporting, with authorities working to prevent further damage.

Injuries and Critical Cases

Rescue teams swiftly evacuated the injured and transported them to local medical facilities. The victims were initially admitted to the Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital, while five critically injured individuals were later referred to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.

A police official confirmed that “two of the injured are in critical condition”, raising concerns about the severity of the incident.

Residential Area Hit, Infrastructure Damaged

The fire’s intensity caused significant damage to nearby homes, highlighting the risks posed by industrial infrastructure located close to residential zones.

In addition, the blaze also impacted railway infrastructure. Officials reported damage to overhead railway equipment, leading to disruptions in train services in the region—further compounding the situation.

Cause Yet to Be Determined

Authorities have secured the area and initiated an investigation into the incident. While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, officials stated that a detailed probe will be conducted to determine what triggered the blaze.

“The area has been secured, and firefighting operations are continuing. The exact cause will be known only after investigation,” a police officer said.

Rising Concerns Over Industrial Safety

The incident has once again raised serious questions about industrial safety measures and emergency preparedness, particularly in densely populated areas near petrochemical facilities.

As firefighting efforts continue and authorities assess the damage, residents remain on edge, awaiting clarity on both the cause and the extent of the disaster.