Fire at Haldia refinery pipeline injures dozens

A major fire erupted at a naphtha-carrying pipeline at the Haldia refinery in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district early Tuesday morning, injuring dozens of people and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The blaze, which began between approximately 2:45 a.m. and 5 a.m., spread rapidly to a nearby residential area and damaged railway infrastructure, disrupting train services.

Officials reported that more than ten people were injured, with some sources indicating the number could be as high as 35. Rescue teams transported the injured to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital. Several patients in critical condition were later transferred to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital, and at least six were reportedly being shifted to Kolkata for further treatment. No fatalities have been confirmed by the district administration.

Twelve fire tenders were deployed to battle the intense flames, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighting operations were ongoing for several hours after the initial outbreak, with the blaze not yet fully under control at the time of initial reports. The fire also spread to Chiranjibpur in Haldia Municipality, engulfing several houses, and...