Disaster averted at Haldia

Midnapur, May 17 (UNI) A major disaster was averted this evening when the Fuel Oil Block of IOC at Haldia caught fire at about 8:20 PM tonight.

Fire fighters struggled to control the fire, an IOC official said.

The fire spread in the open channel of the oil block and was seen from a great distance, sources added. Many people panicked and started running helter-skelter when they saw the fire.

East Midnapur district Superintendent of Police Ashok Dutta said a big police contingent was rushed to the area to keep the crowd at bay.

Fire tenders from CPT and IOC rushed to the area and brought the situation under control after an hour.

The situation is under control now, police said.

UNI XC SP AB 2301