At least 30 injured after fire erupts at petrochemical plant in India

At least 30 people were injured, including 14 with severe burns, after a major fire broke out at a petrochemical plant in India's eastern state of West Bengal early on June 30, authorities said.

The blaze erupted at the Haldia Petrochemicals plant in East Midnapore district after an alleged rupture in a naphtha pipeline, which ignited and spread through the area, Caliber.Az reeports per Indian media.

Hospital officials said the injured were initially taken to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital before those in critical condition were transferred to Tamluk District Hospital. Six of the most seriously injured patients have since been referred to hospitals in Kolkata for advanced treatment.

Emergency responders deployed 12 fire engines to the scene, where firefighters continued efforts to bring the blaze under control. Senior police officers and district administration officials supervised rescue and firefighting operations.

According to local residents, the incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. local time, shortly after a lightning strike. Witnesses said the pipeline caught fire within moments, and several people who had stepped outside at the time sustained burn injuries.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the lightning strike caused the pipeline to rupture. Police and Haldia Petrochemicals have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Local lawmaker Pradip Bijali visited the site and said authorities were making all necessary arrangements to ensure medical treatment for the injured.

The fire also disrupted rail services in the area. Authorities suspended train operations between Haldia and Durgachak, with several local services cancelled or partially terminated. Rail services are expected to resume once repair work is completed.

By Sabina Mammadli