Large Explosion at Mathura Refinery Injures Multiple Workers

On Tuesday night, a significant explosion occurred at Mathura Refinery in Uttar Pradesh, causing panic in the surrounding area. The explosion, followed by a fire, left 10 workers severely injured, including two senior officials. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital, with three in critical condition.

Gas Leak Sparks Massive Explosion at Mathura Refinery

Around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, during the reopening of the refinery after a scheduled maintenance shutdown, a gas leak in the Edricferic Vacuum Unit led to a powerful explosion. The blast was so intense that it was heard up to a kilometer away. Witnesses reported seeing large flames engulfing the area as workers struggled to escape. Local authorities and emergency response teams quickly arrived on the scene to control the situation.

Fire Contained After 30 Minutes, Investigation Underway

Despite the severity of the explosion, firefighters managed to contain the fire within 30 minutes. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading further into the plant, but the damage caused by the blast left many concerned about safety protocols. An investigation into the cause of the gas leak and explosion is currently underway, though officials have not yet commented on the specifics of the incident.

Shutdown and Restart of the Plant

The Edricferic Vacuum Unit, where the explosion occurred, had been shut down for maintenance for 40 days. This unit is responsible for filtering crude oil, a critical process in refinery operations. On Tuesday, the plant was being restarted after the extended closure for repairs. It is suspected that the gas leak, which led to the explosion, may have occurred due to a malfunction during the restarting process. Authorities are reviewing operational procedures to determine whether the necessary safety checks were carried out before the restart.

Emergency Response and Panic in Nearby Areas

The blast caused widespread panic in the areas surrounding the refinery, with local residents reporting a loud noise and feeling the impact from miles away. Several people in nearby neighborhoods left their homes, fearing further explosions. Police forces were deployed immediately to secure the perimeter and ensure no unauthorized access to the area while emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire.

Workers Suffer Severe Burns, Hospitalized

Among the 10 injured workers, several suffered severe burns from the flames. Medical professionals attending to the injured have reported that three workers remain in critical condition. All injured personnel were transferred to a higher medical center for advanced care. The workers’ families have been informed, and support services are being provided to them during this difficult time.

Safety Concerns Raised After Incident

The explosion at Mathura Refinery has raised significant safety concerns regarding the handling of gas leaks and overall refinery operations. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with restarting industrial operations after long periods of inactivity. While the fire was contained quickly, the injuries and damage have led to calls for a comprehensive review of safety protocols at refineries across the country.

Historical Context of Industrial Accidents in India

India has seen several industrial accidents in recent years, many of which were caused by inadequate safety measures or equipment malfunctions. Incidents like the Mathura Refinery blast remind authorities of the need to strengthen safety regulations, especially in industries dealing with volatile substances like gas and oil. The government and relevant agencies are expected to investigate this incident thoroughly and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Lessons Learned from the Mathura Refinery Explosion

The explosion at the Mathura Refinery serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in industrial operations. The focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of injured workers and conducting a full investigation to identify the root cause of the blast. As the refinery prepares to resume full operations, lessons learned from this accident will likely lead to enhanced safety measures to prevent future incidents.

(Includes Content from online sources )

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Tiruvallur, 12 October, 2024

Railway Derailment in Tiruvallur District

Tamil Nadu Train Accident occurred in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Saturday when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train. The passenger train was traveling at 75 km per hour when it rammed into the parked goods train, causing 12 coaches to derail and 19 passengers to suffer injuries. The derailment occurred around 40 km from Chennai, causing disruption to over 1,300 passengers on board.

Signal and Route Mismatch Behind the Accident

According to RN Singh, General Manager of Southern Railways, the accident was caused by a “mismatch between signal and route”. He explained that the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express should have been switched to the main line, but due to an error, it was instead directed onto a closed section of the track where the goods train was stationed.

Fault in Track Switching Despite Signal Clearance

Mr. Singh clarified that while the signal was set for the main line, the track switch sent the passenger train to the closed loop. “Something wrong happened,” he said, indicating that a full investigation is needed to determine the exact cause. A high-level inquiry has been ordered, with the Railway Safety Commissioner set to ascertain the reasons for this signal and track mismatch.

Derailment After Heavy Jerk

Officials reported that the passenger train’s crew felt a “heavy jerk” before the train entered the loop line and hit the goods train. The impact led to the engine’s derailment and damage to multiple coaches. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, and the injured passengers are receiving treatment in nearby state-run hospitals.

Restoration and Disruption to Train Services

As rescue operations continue, restoration work at the accident site is expected to last up to 24 hours. This has resulted in the cancellation or diversion of at least 18 scheduled trains. Stranded passengers from the express train were transported to Chennai and later accommodated on a special train to reach their respective destinations.

CM MK Stalin Calls for Swift Rescue Operations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed shock over the accident and urged authorities to speed up rescue efforts. The government has assured that all affected passengers are being taken care of, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.