The Oil India explosion at the company’s facility in Tengakhat, Assam, has claimed a third life after an injured worker from Chabua died during treatment in Guwahati on November 7. The latest death has increased concerns over the serious consequences of Friday’s accident at the Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) in Dibrugarh district.
The deceased, identified as Rupam Gogoi, had suffered critical injuries in the explosion and subsequent fire on November 6. Doctors shifted him to a private hospital in Guwahati for advanced medical care. However, he succumbed to his injuries at around 11 am on Saturday, according to reports.
Oil India explosion death toll rises to three
The death of Rupam Gogoi marks the third fatality linked to the incident at the Oil India Limited (OIL) facility. His death followed two earlier fatalities among workers injured in the explosion and fire.
The first victim was identified as Raju Dutta. He reportedly died after the force of the explosion threw him away from the affected area.
Another injured worker, Tapas Gogoi, also succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Dibrugarh at around 3 am on Saturday. He was a 40-year-old resident of Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh.
With Rupam Gogoi’s death, the incident has now claimed three lives within two days. Meanwhile, the condition of the other injured workers remains an important concern as medical teams continue their treatment.
What happened at the Tengakhat facility?
The Oil India explosion occurred on Friday morning, November 6, at the company’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district.
The incident reportedly took place at around 9:05 am while workers were carrying out maintenance activities at the facility. An explosion triggered a major fire in the crude oil storage area, leaving several employees with serious injuries.
According to preliminary information, an accidental mishap during maintenance operations triggered the blast and subsequent fire. However, authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the incident.
An Intermediate Tank Farm is a facility where petroleum products remain temporarily stored in tanks before they move to further processing or transportation.
The explosion created an emergency at the installation. Consequently, fire and emergency service personnel rushed to the location and began firefighting operations.
Workers injured in the Oil India explosion
The accident affected several workers who were present at the facility during the maintenance operation. Reports stated that nine workers were at the site when the explosion occurred. Seven sustained injuries, while two escaped unharmed.
Five injured employees were identified as Sailen Gogoi, Tapas Gogoi, Kumud Gogoi, Golap Dutta and Indra Gogoi. Their ages ranged from 38 to 58 years.
The injured workers were initially taken to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh for medical attention. Some were subsequently shifted to private healthcare facilities for further treatment.
Reports identified the injured employees as workers of Spectron Engineers Private Limited, a Mumbai-based company engaged by Oil India for maintenance-related activities.
Moreover, the seriousness of the injuries made specialised medical care necessary for some of the affected workers. The deaths of three employees have further highlighted the human cost of the accident.
Emergency teams bring the fire under control
Following the Oil India explosion, the company’s fire service personnel were immediately mobilised to tackle the blaze. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and prevent further damage at the installation.
The Dibrugarh district administration also responded to the incident. District Commissioner Bikram Kairi, Senior Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav and other officials visited the affected facility to assess the situation.
Additionally, personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) joined the emergency response. Firefighting teams managed to bring the situation under control, and officials confirmed that no active fire remained at the site.
The district administration also addressed concerns among residents living near the facility. Officials urged people not to panic, stating that there was no need for a local evacuation.
Meanwhile, the administration assured that injured workers would receive necessary medical treatment. It also indicated that transportation assistance would be provided wherever required.
Investigation needed to establish the cause
The exact circumstances behind the Oil India explosion remain unclear. Although preliminary information points towards an accidental mishap during maintenance work, investigators are yet to establish what triggered the blast.
The incident has raised questions about industrial safety arrangements and maintenance procedures at the facility. However, any assessment of responsibility will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The district administration has indicated that it will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officials have also taken up the matter with Oil India Limited to ensure appropriate action.
Furthermore, the investigation will be important in identifying any operational lapses and determining whether existing safety procedures were followed during the maintenance activity.
The company has a responsibility to ensure safe working conditions at its installations, including facilities operated by contractors. Therefore, a detailed examination of the incident could help identify measures to prevent similar accidents.
Third death deepens concern over workplace safety
The death of Rupam Gogoi has added to the grief surrounding the Tengakhat accident. The three fatalities have turned what began as an industrial emergency into a serious tragedy for the affected families and the local community.
The incident also brings renewed attention to workplace safety in Assam’s oil and gas sector. Maintenance activities at petroleum installations require strict safety checks because accidents can have serious consequences for workers.
Overall, the immediate priority remains the treatment and recovery of those injured in the explosion. At the same time, establishing the cause of the accident and examining safety arrangements will be essential.
As the investigation progresses, further information about the circumstances of the blast and the condition of the remaining injured workers is awaited. The findings will be important in determining what went wrong and preventing another such tragedy.
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