Dibrugarh: The death toll from the explosion and subsequent fire at Oil India Limited’s (OIL) Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district, has risen to five after another injured worker succumbed to his burn injuries on Tuesday.
The latest victim, Kumud Gogoi (39), a resident of Borbeel Dighalia in Tengakhat, died while undergoing treatment at Aastha Hospital in Dibrugarh. He was employed as a Helper (Semi-Skilled) with the company.
The explosion occurred around 9.05 am on Friday while workers were carrying out maintenance activities at the facility. According to OIL’s preliminary assessment, the incident took place in the Indirect Bath Heater (IDBH) area of the tank farm, which had been isolated for maintenance since November 4.
The blast triggered a major fire, leaving seven personnel employed by OIL’s operations and maintenance contractor with burn injuries.
Seven workers sustained burn injuries
The injured workers were initially admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh and OIL Hospital in Duliajan. Those requiring specialised treatment were later shifted to private healthcare facilities.
All seven injured personnel were employed by Spectron Engineers Private Limited, a Mumbai-based company contracted by OIL to carry out maintenance-related work at the facility.
Meanwhile, OIL has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker. The company will also provide Rs 5 lakh to each injured person.
Four OIL personnel suspended
In the aftermath of the incident, OIL has suspended four of its personnel, including three officers and one employee, over alleged dereliction of official duties in connection with the explosion.
The incident has renewed concerns over industrial safety at oil installations in Assam and brought back memories of the Baghjan blowout in Tinsukia district in 2020.
The Baghjan disaster began on May 27, 2020, following a blowout at Well No. 5 of the Baghjan Oil Field in Tinsukia district.
The well remained ablaze for several months before the fire was finally extinguished on November 15, 2020.
One of the most devastating oil well blowouts in India’s history, the disaster affected more than 7,000 families and caused extensive damage to the surrounding environment and local livelihoods.
The Baghjan incident remains one of the most significant industrial disasters associated with Oil India Limited, while the latest tragedy at Tengakhat has once again drawn attention to worker safety and operational practices at oil facilities in the region.