A major fire caused by a naphtha pipeline leak in Haldia, West Bengal, injured more than 20 people on Tuesday. It also triggered a large emergency response in the industrial township. The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety around hazardous fuel infrastructure.
The fire broke out near the petrochemical hub in Purba Medinipur district after an underground naphtha pipeline reportedly leaked and ignited. Thick black smoke quickly covered the area as the fuel fed the flames. Authorities moved fast to evacuate nearby residents and secure the zone.
Fire Breaks Out After Pipeline Leak
Officials said the blaze started after naphtha leaked from a pipeline and caught fire. Since naphtha vapour ignites easily, the flames spread quickly and caused panic among workers and nearby residents.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud sound before seeing flames and smoke rise from the pipeline corridor. Many people rushed out of homes and workplaces as emergency sirens sounded across the area.
Firefighters reached the spot and worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. The intensity of the blaze forced authorities to isolate the area at once. Teams also tried to stop the fire from spreading to nearby industrial units.
As a precaution, the affected pipeline was shut down. A safety perimeter was also set up around the site. Emergency teams continued cooling operations to prevent flare-ups or secondary ignition.
Over 20 People Injured
According to officials, more than 20 people suffered burn injuries in the incident. The injured included workers and residents who were near the pipeline when the fire broke out. Several victims reportedly sustained serious burns and were taken to nearby hospitals.
Medical teams gave emergency care at the scene before shifting the injured to hospitals for further treatment. Authorities have not yet released the names of all those affected. Officials are also monitoring the condition of patients admitted to hospitals.
Some injured people were reportedly caught close to the fire when it spread suddenly. Emergency responders said their main priority was to stabilize the victims and move them to medical centres quickly.
Rescue Operation and Investigation Underway
Multiple fire tenders, police personnel, and disaster response teams were deployed to control the blaze and evacuate residents from nearby areas. Officials said the quick response helped prevent the fire from spreading further.
Emergency teams also secured access roads to the affected zone so rescue vehicles and fire engines could move freely. Industrial safety personnel worked with firefighters to isolate fuel supplies and reduce the risk of another ignition.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the leak. Early reports point to a fuel leak, but officials have not confirmed whether it was caused by a technical failure, equipment malfunction, or another reason. The probe will examine the pipeline condition and safety measures at the site.
Industrial Safety Under Spotlight
The incident has again raised questions about safety at petrochemical facilities that handle hazardous materials. Experts say the investigation will likely focus on pipeline maintenance, emergency readiness, and operating procedures.
Industrial accidents involving flammable fuels can cause serious injuries and major disruption, especially in crowded areas near manufacturing zones. The Haldia fire has renewed calls for stricter monitoring and stronger safety checks around fuel transport systems.
Firefighting and cooling operations are still underway. Authorities have asked residents to stay away from the affected area until it is declared safe.
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