Death toll rises to five in Tengakhat oil facility explosion
One more worker died from burn injuries following the blast at an Oil India Limited tank farm in Dibrugarh.
The death toll from an explosion and fire at the Oil India Limited (OIL) Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh, has reached five. According to NENow, a 39-year-old helper, Kumud Gogoi, died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Aastha Hospital after sustaining burn injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 9.05 am on Friday during maintenance work. An OIL preliminary assessment indicated the blast happened in the Indirect Bath Heater area, which had been set aside for repairs since November 4.
Seven workers from the Mumbai-based contractor Spectron Engineers Private Limited sustained burn injuries. These employees were initially treated at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh and OIL Hospital in Duliajan before some were moved to private facilities for specialised care.
OIL has suspended four staff members, consisting of three officers and one employee, for alleged dereliction of duty. The company has also formed an internal inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances and suggest preventive measures.
Regarding compensation, OIL announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Additionally, the company will provide Rs 5 lakh to each person who was injured in the blast.