Explosion Rocks Indian Oil Mathura Refinery: 12 Injured, Probe Launched

A significant explosion at Indian Oil Corporation's Mathura refinery injured 12 people. Following a recent blast in Vadodara, eyewitnesses reported flames from the refinery visible kilometers away. Eight workers faced burn injuries; three were hospitalized in Delhi. A probe investigates the cause while the situation is under control.

A powerful explosion rocked the Indian Oil Corporation's Mathura refinery, injuring 12 people on the Agra-Delhi National Highway, police reported on Tuesday.

This incident closely follows a deadly blast at a Vadodara refinery, raising concerns over safety protocols at such facilities.

Eyewitness accounts detailed a loud explosion and visible flames emanating from the Mathura refinery, with visibility stretching several kilometers. Renu Pathak, Senior Corporate Manager of the refinery, confirmed that the fire emerged from the Atmospheric Vacuum Unit being restarted after maintenance.

Three seriously injured workers were urgently transferred to Delhi's Apollo Hospital, while others received immediate care at the plant's medical facility. Pathak assured that the situation has stabilized, with the inferno fully extinguished.

Refinery police chief Sonu Kumar stated that the blast, heard between 8:30 and 9:00 pm, prompted swift internal containment and subsequent alert to local authorities. Delhi Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the provision of quality medical care for those affected, underscoring relief efforts at the affected site.

Traffic on the adjacent highway was temporarily halted for safety precautions, as investigations into the explosion's cause continue. This event follows a previous incident in Vadodara, where a benzene storage tank explosion resulted in fatalities.

(With inputs from agencies.)