On January 1, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at the Indian Oil refinery in Vadodara, Gujarat, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The fire reportedly began in a benzene storage tank and quickly spread to an adjacent tank, causing severe damage to the area. Despite the intensity of the fire, refinery operations were not significantly impacted, and the fire was eventually brought under control by the firefighting teams.
According to sources, the fire started late in the evening and was noticed by refinery staff, who immediately initiated emergency protocols. The Gujarat Fire Department, along with local police, responded quickly, containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the facility.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although initial reports suggest that a possible chemical reaction in one of the tanks could have sparked the blaze. Workers at the refinery were evacuated, and safety measures were enacted to ensure there were no further casualties. The two individuals who were injured were taken to the hospital for treatment, and their conditions are being monitored closely.
While the fire caused significant damage to part of the refinery, operations continued as usual, with no disruption to the supply of refined products. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has assured the public that it will cooperate fully with the investigation and take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.