Ten persons were feared dead in a major accident that took place this afternoon in the HPCL factory due to a blast in the cooling tower.
According to information reaching the state headquarters, another 30 persons received injuries. Some of them, who received grievous injuries, were fighting for life. The injured were rushed to the Care and KG Hospitals and getting treatment. As many persons received grievous injuries, there is every possibility of the death toll going up.
The accident took place in the CD-2 block and the local people were scared as the flames engulfed, emitting smoke which spread for more than 10 Km area. Traffic came to a standstill in the HPCL factory vicinity and the police diverted the traffic so that the rescue operations were not obstructed.
Family members of the employees have resorted to agitation at the main gate of the factory that the details relating to the accident be explained to them. The employees alleged that non-implementation of proper security measures was responsible for the incident.
Fire engines were pressed into service to control the flames. (NSS)