New Delhi: Three people died and over 40 were injured after a massive fire broke out in the premises of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refinery in Haldia, West Bengal, PTI reported.
The fire has been extinguished and the situation is under control, the IOC said in a statement.
"Three people died, over 30 persons were injured in a fire incident at IOCL refinery in Haldia. The injured have been shifted to Kolkata," ANI quoted SK Ajgar Ali, Chairman-In-Council, Haldia Municipality, as saying.
The IOC said that the incident occurred at a unit of the refinery during shutdown related works.
"The primary cause seems to be a flash fire leading to burn injuries to 44 persons and three persons have unfortunately succumbed to their injuries," the statement said.
Out of the 44 injured, 37 have been shifted to a hospital in Kolkata, a senior police officer of Purba Medinipur district told PTI. The condition of seven of them are critical, he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the deaths and said the government would extend all assistance to those injured.
"Deeply anguished by the fire in IOC, Haldia. Three precious lives were lost and my thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Those injured are being brought to Kolkata through a green corridor. GoWB will extend all assistance to ensure their speedy recovery," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said a detailed investigation had been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
"A green corridor was operationalised for shifting the critical cases to institutes of higher medical management. Compensation & best medical care will be provided to all those who have been affected," Puri tweeted.