A fire erupted in a naphtha-carrying pipeline near the Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) plant in West Bengal on June 30, 2024 [1].
The incident highlights the severe safety risks associated with industrial infrastructure and the potential dangers of unauthorized tampering with volatile chemical pipelines.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in the Purba Medinipur district [2]. The fire spread from the pipeline to nearby homes, affecting both facility workers and local residents [3]. Emergency responders deployed 12 fire engines to contain the flames [4].
Reports on the number of casualties vary. Some sources said 15 people were injured [5], while others said 20 people were injured [6]. The number of victims in critical condition is also disputed, with reports ranging from two [5] to five people [7].
Company officials are investigating the origin of the spark. A spokesperson for Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd said, "Preliminary information has indicated that the incident might have occurred in the vicinity of an unauthorised naphtha theft point near its plant" [8].
Local officials said two of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment [5]. However, police said five of them are critically injured [7]. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities examine the site for evidence of illegal activity [8].
“The incident might have occurred in the vicinity of an unauthorised naphtha theft point”
This incident underscores a critical security vulnerability in industrial pipeline networks where illegal tapping for fuel theft can lead to catastrophic failures. The discrepancy in casualty reports suggests a chaotic initial emergency response, while the suspected cause points to a broader issue of infrastructure policing in industrial zones of West Bengal.
