3 people were killed and 42 others injured in an explosion at the Bengal Indian Oil refinery

3 people were killed and 42 others injured in an explosion at the Bengal Indian Oil refinery. 

Three people are reported dead and 42 injured after an explosion occurred in one Indian Oil refinery in West Bengal’s district of Purba Medinipur. 

The explosion occurred in the refinery’s Naptha-Hydrogen mixing plant at about 3 pm on the day.

Of the 42 people wounded, 37 are being transferred to Kolkata’s Desun Hospital for better treatment. 

The health of seven of them is believed to be critically ill, an official from the police told the news agency PTI. The fire is now under control. 

The exact cause of the blast remains unknown. However, the plant where the blast occurred was closed since the first week to allow for two months of maintenance.

“The primary cause seems to be a flash fire leading to burning injuries to 44 persons and 3 persons have unfortunately succumbed to their injuries,” an official from the police was quoted by the news agency PTI.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted her condolences to the victims’ families during the incident. “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,” Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

“Those injured are being brought to Kolkata through a green corridor. GoWB will extend all assistance to ensure their speedy recovery,” she added.