At least five workers sustained injuries and another remains missing after a fire and explosion at Oil India Limited’s Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) in Tengakhat, Assam’s Dibrugarh district, on Friday morning. The incident occurred in the crude oil storage section while workers carried out technical and maintenance activities.
Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion may have taken place during a valve operation, triggering a fire at the facility. Rescue teams are searching for the missing worker, while authorities investigate the cause of the accident. The injured workers have been admitted to hospitals in Dibrugarh for treatment.
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Key Facts About the Oil India Explosion
- Location: Intermediate Tank Farm, Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district, Assam
- Date: Friday morning
- Company: Oil India Limited (OIL)
- Injured workers: At least five
- Missing worker: One
- Possible cause: Explosion during valve-related technical work, according to preliminary reports
- Hospitals: Assam Medical College and Hospital and Oil India Hospital
- Investigation: Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Explosion Occurs During Maintenance Work
According to preliminary information, the fire broke out in the crude oil storage section of the Intermediate Tank Farm while technical work was underway.
Initial reports suggest that an explosion may have occurred during the operation of a valve. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Kamal Phukan, Area Manager of Spectron Engineers Pvt Ltd, said the incident took place during scheduled technical and maintenance activities at the facility.
He confirmed that the injured workers received medical attention soon after the accident. Five workers were taken to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, while another affected person was admitted to Oil India Hospital.
One Worker Remains Missing as Search Continues
Officials said six individuals were affected by the incident. However, one worker remains unaccounted for, prompting a search operation at the site.
Authorities suspect that the force of the explosion may have thrown the missing worker some distance from the affected area. Specialised teams are searching for him.
Meanwhile, rescue and investigation teams continue their work at the facility. Officials are yet to confirm whether the incident caused any fatalities.
Injured Workers Identified
The injured workers have been identified as:
- Tapas Gogoi, 40, of Milan Nagar, Dibrugarh
- Shailen Gogoi, 45, of Tengakhat
- Kumud Gogoi, 38, of Tengakhat
- Golap Dutta, 58, of Tengakhat
- Indra Gogoi, 40, of Tengakhat
According to officials, the workers were employees of Spectron Engineers Private Limited, a Mumbai-based company engaged by Oil India Limited for work at the facility.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the explosion and subsequent fire. The exact cause remains unclear, and officials have not issued a final assessment.
Oil India Limited is expected to provide further information after a detailed inspection of the affected site. Further updates are awaited as rescue operations and the investigation continue.
Questions and Answers
1. Where did the explosion occur in Assam?
The incident occurred at Oil India Limited’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district.
2. How many workers were injured?
At least five workers sustained injuries and received hospital treatment.
3. Is anyone missing after the incident?
Yes. One worker remains unaccounted for, and specialised teams are searching for him.
4. What caused the explosion?
Preliminary reports suggest a possible explosion during valve operation amid maintenance work. Authorities have not confirmed the cause.
5. Which company employed the injured workers?
The workers were employees of Spectron Engineers Private Limited, which Oil India Limited had engaged for work at the facility.
Importance of the Incident for Assam
Dibrugarh is an important industrial and oil-producing district in Upper Assam. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety at oil installations, particularly during technical and maintenance operations. The ongoing investigation will help establish what caused the explosion and whether safety procedures were followed.
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