Panaji: The Goa Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has ordered the temporary shutdown of a multi-product pipeline from the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to a fertiliser manufacturing plant in the port town of Vasco following a fire outbreak on Friday evening.
On Friday evening, the underground pipeline caught fire while naphtha was being pumped out from a ship and carried to Zuari Industries Limited (ZIL) in Vasco.
The fire is still burning after three days, but in a controlled manner.
"The DMA yesterday decided to shut down the pipeline till further orders," said Deputy Collector Levinson Martins.
Eight people were injured and several houses were gutted in the blaze that started after the naphtha leaked out while being pumped out from the ship.
Martins said the multi-purpose pipeline was used to carry various raw materials for ZIL from the MPT across a 5-km distance. It runs through thickly populated areas, including
two slums.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the mishap.
Martins said the fire was now under control, but it will continue to burn till the remaining gas in the pipeline runs out.
PTI
First Published: Monday, August 22, 2011, 11:07