18 injured in fire at Dahej pipeline, ONGC orders probe

At least 18 contract workers sustained burn injuries after a fire took place at the ONGC gas pipeline near Gandhar village, police said. The incident took place on Monday when the pipeline was being repaired near Gandhar village of the district.

The Oil and Natural Gas Commission has initiated an inquiry into Monday's fire. The plant was closed for a day after the accident.

According to ONGC officials, preliminary inquiry report shows that the gas used during the welding leaked causing a small fire, in which 18 workers were injured.

Sources in Ankleshwar region said the fire occurred around 10.30 am on Monday. "The incident took place when one of the newly-built pipeline was being fixed to an existing one inside the plant premises. We suspect the flow of the gas was erratic, which may have caused the fire. However, fire tenders including a doctor were on stand-by and the contractual workers were discharged after some first aid," said Chatra Singh, ONGC executive director for Ankleshwar region

The official said that all the workers were from Ace Company Limited.

Bharuch welfare hospital sources said that of the 18 workers, condition of five was serious and they have been kept under observation.

A case has been registered in the matter and further investigations are on.

ALSO READ

Astronomy buffs geared up for meteor shower

Narendra Modi dials Lalu, enquires about health after car accident

From Ramdev stage in Haridwar, Modi swears by gurus of all hues

PIL puts Tata Motors, state govt in the dock over Nano deal