IOCL Haldia blast: 3 killed, 42 injured in explosion at Bengal Indian Oil refinery

Three people have been reported dead and 42 have been injured in an explosion at an Indian Oil refinery in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. The blast occurred at the refinery's Naptha-Hydrogen mixing plant at around 3pm today. 

Out of 42 injured, 37 people are being shifted to Kolkata's Desun Hospital for better treatment. The condition of seven of them are stated to be critical, a police official told news agency PTI. The fire has been brought under control. The cause of the blast not yet known. The plant, where the blast took place, was shut since December first week for two-month-long maintenance.

"The primary cause seems to be a flash fire leading to burn injuries to 44 persons and 3 persons have unfortunately succumbed to their injuries," a police official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted her condolences to the families of those who died in the incident. "Deeply anguished by the fire in IOC, Haldia. Three precious lives were lost and my thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

"Those injured are being brought to Kolkata through a green corridor. GoWB will extend all assistance to ensure their speedy recovery," she added.