Massive Fire at Haldia Petrochemicals’ Naphtha Pipeline Injures Over 20; Probe Underway Into Cause
Early morning blaze engulfs nearby homes, disrupts rail services and leaves several people critically injured as investigators examine possible pipeline leak and suspected fuel theft link.
A massive fire broke out early Tuesday at a naphtha-carrying pipeline connected to the Haldia Petrochemicals complex in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, leaving more than 20 people injured and triggering a major emergency response. The blaze rapidly spread from the pipeline to nearby residential areas, engulfing several houses and forcing authorities to evacuate affected residents.
The incident was reported in the early hours of the morning near Chiranjibpur under Haldia Municipality. Thick black smoke and towering flames were seen rising from the pipeline as firefighters rushed to the site with around a dozen fire tenders to contain the blaze. Emergency personnel battled the fire for several hours before bringing it largely under control.
Police said that more than 20 people, including local residents, plant personnel and security staff, sustained burn injuries. At least five to six of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to major hospitals in Kolkata for specialised treatment, while others were admitted to hospitals in Haldia and nearby areas. Authorities have not reported any fatalities so far.
The intense fire also damaged nearby railway infrastructure, including overhead electrical equipment, leading to disruptions in train services between Haldia and Panskura as well as delays on the Haldia–Howrah route. Railway authorities began restoration work after the area was declared safe for access.
In an official statement, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) said preliminary findings suggest the incident may have originated near an unauthorised naphtha theft point in the vicinity of the plant. The company noted that naphtha is an extremely flammable petroleum product and reiterated that it has repeatedly warned local communities against illegal tapping or handling of petroleum pipelines because of the severe safety risks involved. However, HPL stressed that it would be premature to assign responsibility until the investigation is complete.
Investigators are examining whether a leak in the naphtha pipeline triggered the explosion and subsequent fire. Police, fire officials and technical experts have secured the site and are collecting evidence to determine the exact sequence of events. Officials have stated that a detailed forensic and technical investigation will establish the precise cause of the accident.
Local authorities have focused on providing medical assistance to the injured while assessing damage to nearby homes and infrastructure. The state administration is monitoring the situation closely, and emergency teams remain deployed to prevent any fresh flare-ups or secondary incidents in the affected area.
The accident has once again highlighted the serious risks associated with transporting highly combustible petroleum products through densely populated areas. Safety experts say the findings of the ongoing investigation could influence future pipeline monitoring, security measures and emergency preparedness protocols at major petrochemical installations across the country.
