The death toll from the explosion and fire at Oil India Limited’s Tengakhat facility in Dibrugarh has risen to two. Tapas Jyoti Gogoi, an injured engineer, succumbed to severe burn injuries at a private hospital around 3 am on November 7, 2026. The incident occurred during maintenance work at OIL’s Intermediate Tank Farm on November 6. The first victim, Raju Dutta, died on Friday. The explosion injured several other workers and triggered an emergency response at the facility. Meanwhile, Oil India has ordered an internal inquiry to establish the circumstances behind the incident.
TTAADC Postpones Executive Members’ Oath Ceremony
Second Worker Succumbs to Burn Injuries
Tapas Jyoti Gogoi, a 40-year-old resident of Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh, became the second victim of the Tengakhat explosion.
He worked for Spectron Engineering Private Limited, a contractor engaged by Oil India Limited. Gogoi had reportedly worked with the company for approximately 13 years.
He suffered around 70 per cent burn injuries during the explosion. Despite medical treatment, he died at a private healthcare facility in Dibrugarh early Saturday morning.
His death followed the earlier loss of Raju Dutta, who died on November 6 after the explosion.
Gogoi leaves behind his parents, wife and daughter. His death has deepened the tragedy for the families affected by the industrial accident.
The incident has also raised concerns about workplace safety during maintenance operations at petroleum facilities.
Explosion Occurred at Oil India’s Intermediate Tank Farm
The explosion occurred around 9:05 am on November 6 at Oil India’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district.
The facility temporarily stores petroleum products before transferring them for further processing or transportation.
According to Oil India’s initial statement, the incident occurred near an Indirect Bath Heater during maintenance work.
The company said workers were carrying out maintenance activities in an area that had remained isolated since November 4.
A fire broke out following the explosion, prompting emergency teams to respond immediately.
Oil India’s firefighting personnel mobilised at the site and worked to control the blaze. Fire and emergency services also supported the response.
The fire was subsequently brought under control. Authorities took precautionary measures around the affected equipment and connected facilities.
However, investigators have yet to establish the exact cause of the explosion.
Seven Workers Injured in the Incident
Nine workers were present at the facility when the explosion occurred.
Seven sustained injuries, while two escaped without injuries, according to information released by the company.
The injured workers initially received treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh.
Authorities later shifted them to a private healthcare facility for further medical care.
Tapas Gogoi subsequently died from his burn injuries. Raju Dutta had already become the first fatality.
Three other injured workers were reported to remain in critical condition in updates following the second death.
The condition of the remaining injured workers also required continued medical attention.
The workers were associated with Spectron Engineering Private Limited, which had undertaken maintenance work at the Oil India facility.
The incident has brought renewed attention to contractor safety arrangements and emergency preparedness at industrial installations.
Oil India Orders Internal Investigation
Oil India Limited has constituted an internal inquiry committee to investigate the explosion and subsequent fire.
The committee will examine the immediate and underlying causes of the incident. It will also assess the damage and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents.
The investigation will need to establish what happened during the maintenance operation.
Officials will also examine the equipment involved and the sequence of events leading to the explosion.
The company has not yet announced a final finding on the cause.
Therefore, the incident should not be attributed to a specific technical failure or negligence before investigators complete their work.
The findings could help identify safety gaps and determine whether additional preventive measures are necessary.
Dibrugarh Administration Reviews Response and Compensation
Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi visited the affected facility and reviewed the situation.
The district administration said it would coordinate with Oil India to ensure appropriate assistance for the affected families.
Kairi stated that Oil India would contact the families of deceased and injured workers to discuss compensation.
The amount and arrangements will depend on the terms of the agreement between Oil India and Spectron Engineering Private Limited.
The administration also indicated that an Oil India technical team would examine the site to establish the cause of the explosion.
Officials will assess whether the incident resulted from an accidental mishap or any lapse in responsibility.
Meanwhile, the affected families face uncertainty as they await further information about compensation and the investigation.
Industrial Safety Concerns Return to Focus
The Tengakhat accident has renewed questions about safety during maintenance operations at oil and petroleum installations.
Such facilities handle combustible products and operate with specialised equipment. Consequently, maintenance activities require strict safety procedures and effective emergency planning.
Workers and contractors must follow established isolation, inspection and operational protocols before undertaking repairs.
Furthermore, emergency response arrangements must remain effective throughout maintenance work.
The investigation will be important in understanding whether existing procedures worked as intended during the incident.
Its findings may also guide future safety improvements at Oil India’s facilities.
However, authorities must first establish the facts before drawing conclusions about responsibility.
Conclusion
The Tengakhat explosion has claimed two lives after injured engineer Tapas Jyoti Gogoi died during treatment on November 7. The first victim, Raju Dutta, died on the day of the accident. Seven workers suffered injuries, while two others escaped unharmed. Oil India has formed an internal inquiry committee to investigate the explosion at its Intermediate Tank Farm. Meanwhile, the Dibrugarh administration has taken up compensation discussions with the company. The investigation and medical updates will remain important as authorities assess the full impact of the tragedy.
FAQs
1. How many people have died in the Tengakhat Oil India explosion?
The death toll has risen to two following the death of Tapas Jyoti Gogoi on November 7.
2. Who was the second victim?
The second victim was Tapas Jyoti Gogoi, a 40-year-old engineer employed by Spectron Engineering Private Limited.
3. Who was the first worker to die?
Raju Dutta was the first fatality. He died on November 6 following the explosion.
4. Where did the explosion occur?
The explosion occurred at Oil India’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district, Assam.
5. How many workers were injured?
Seven workers sustained injuries. Two other workers escaped without injuries.
6. Has Oil India started an investigation?
Yes. Oil India has constituted an internal inquiry committee to examine the causes, assess damage and recommend preventive measures.