Dibrugarh, 06 November (HS): A massive fire broke out at an Oil Collecting Station (OCS) of Oil India Limited (OIL) at Tengakhat in Assam's Dibrugarh district on Friday morning following a powerful explosion at an Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF). At least five employees sustained serious injuries, while one person was reported missing.

Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion occurred in the crude oil storage area of the facility, triggering a major fire. The missing person has been identified as Raju Dutta. Reports indicate that he was thrown away by the impact of the explosion. There are fears that he may have died, although no official confirmation of his death has been issued so far.

The five injured employees have been identified as Sailen Gogoi (45) of Tengakhat, Milan Nagar resident Tapas Gogoi (40) of Dibrugarh, Kumud Gogoi (38) of Tengakhat, Golap Dutta (58) and Indra Gogoi (40), both residents of Tengakhat. Two other persons were also reportedly injured, but their identities and injuries are yet to be officially confirmed.

All the injured workers were rushed to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh for treatment.

According to preliminary information, the injured employees were working for Spectron Engineers Private Limited, a Mumbai-based company engaged by Oil India Limited for work at the facility.

Fire and emergency service personnel rushed to the site immediately after the incident and launched firefighting operations. However, the blaze had not been completely brought under control till the filing of this report.

The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. Further details regarding the missing person, the condition of the injured and the extent of damage to the facility are awaited. -------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash