One week before PM Modi's visit, major fire at Paradip Refinery

A week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates Paradip Refinery of IOCL to the nation, a major fire broke out at its atmospheric vacuum unit on Saturday, triggering panic among its employees.

At least six fire tenders have been deployed to douse the flames. There is no report of any casualty or injury due to fire yet, ASP of Jagatsinghpur district Madhbananda Sahu said.
The fire broke out at the refinery's AVU near gate number 1. The cause will be known after the flames are put out, he said.

The incident triggered panic among IOCL officials as the refinery is getting ready for the Prime Minister's visit here to dedicate the Rs 35,000 crore project to the nation on February 7.
No official from fire department or IOCL was immediately available for comment. However, sources said AVU is a part of the crude oil processing unit.

The incident took place when Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was present in the refinery premises. He earlier reviewed arrangements for Modi's visit to the plant, they said.
The helipad where the Prime Minister's chopper is slated to land is around 400 metre from the site, the sources added.