Fire breaks out at Haldia Petrochemical's naptha cracker unit; at least 13 injured

A fire broke out at the naphtha cracker unit of the Haldia Petrochemical plant in West Bengal on Friday.

Initial reports suggested that at least 13 persons were injured. At least six of them are in a critical condition, sources confirmed. Several ambulances and as many as ten fire brigades were rushed to the spot to transport the injured workers to the hospital.

Several fire tenders were also pressed into service.

Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has asked for a green corridor from Haldia to Kolkata to bring the injured to the city for treatment.

The Haldia Petrochemicals plant is located in the town of Haldia in West Bengal, nearly 125 km from Kolkata. The factory is a joint venture between Government of West Bengal, The Chatterjee Group, the TATAs with the Indian Oil Corporation, etc. as major stakeholders with an investment of Rs 5864 crores.

Further details are awaited.