A fire at a petrochemical plant in eastern India injured at least 20 people on Tuesday, with five individuals reported in critical condition, according to police. The blaze ignited in a naphtha pipeline at a facility operated by Haldia Petrochemicals in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district.
The fire rapidly spread to nearby homes. Firefighters utilized 12 fire engines to bring the situation under control. The injured, including plant workers and at least two security guards, were transported to local hospitals.
Video from the scene depicted firefighters working to extinguish the flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the burning pipeline. Naphtha is a highly flammable petroleum product used in the manufacturing of fuels and other chemicals.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and Haldia Petrochemicals has stated it is looking into the incident.