Explosion at Mathura Refinery Injures At Least 10 Workers, Four in Critical Condition

A significant explosion occurred at the Indian Oil Corporation's refinery on the Agra-Delhi National Highway, injuring at least 10 people, according to police reports. Eyewitnesses described a loud blast followed by towering flames visible from several kilometres away. The incident took place in Mathura around 8.30 pm as the main plant was being restarted after a shutdown lasting one and a half months.

Initial reports indicate that 10 to 12 workers sustained injuries, with four in critical condition. The injured were initially treated at the refinery's hospital. However, those critically injured were later transferred to a private hospital in the city for further care. Inspector Sonu Kumar from the Refinery police station confirmed these details.

Explosion Details and Immediate Response

The explosion was heard between 8.30 pm and 9.00 pm, affecting several workers near the main plant. The refinery initially attempted to manage the fire internally before informing local authorities after containing the blaze. Inspector Kumar stated that the refinery began treating the injured on-site before transferring four critically injured individuals to the ICU of City Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Hospital.

Currently, all affected workers are reported to be stable, with those in critical condition under close observation. Other workers with less severe injuries continue to receive treatment at the refinery hospital, according to Inspector Kumar.

Impact on Traffic and Safety Measures

For safety reasons, police temporarily halted traffic on the highway in front of the refinery. This measure was taken to ensure public safety while emergency services managed the situation. Despite the severity of the incident, there has been no official statement from either the refinery administration or district authorities yet.

The powerful explosion has raised concerns about safety protocols during plant restarts. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide more information regarding the cause of the explosion and measures taken to prevent future incidents.

The incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in industrial operations, especially during critical processes like plant restarts. Ensuring worker safety remains a priority as authorities work towards understanding and addressing the root causes of such accidents.