Fire erupts at IOC depot in Jaipur, 5 killed

A massive fire reportedly due to an explosion at the 1,00,000 kilolitre capacity Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depot at Sitapura industrial area on Thursday left at least 5 dead and scores with serious burn injuries.

At least 20 fire tenders and 30 ambulances were rushed to the incident site. The injured were rushed to the Sawai Mansingh General Hospital and Medical College and Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jaipur.

The major fire at the oil depot left the entire area into darkness due to huge smoke billowing out of the depot.  

The fire incident was so huge in intensity that the massive fire could be watched even 10 kilometres from the site.  Meanwhile, the authorities had the nearby areas vacated to prevent escalation of threat due to fire in other areas and the electricity supply in the
areas was also disconnected for prevention in the evening.

The authorities have also cordoned off the area and urged local people to vacate the area to prevent any untoward incident.

The exact number of casualties could not be ascertained. However, some private channel reports suggested it could be around 24.

Authorities have sought the help of Indian Army to control the massive fire.