A massive fire erupted at the Indian Oil plant located in Jasidih, Deoghar, with flames spreading rapidly across the entire facility. Thick plumes of smoke and high flames were visible from a distance, creating panic in the surrounding areas. The fire broke out in the parking area of the depot, adjacent to Badladih village in Jasidih, officials said.
Fire engines were immediately deployed to extinguish the blaze, Deputy Commissioner Giridih Vishal Sagar said. All oil tankers were shifted to a safe place, he said.
Sub Divisional Officer Ravi Kumar, who oversaw the fire-fighting operation, told mediapersons that there was no loss of life in the incident. "The fire was completely extinguished by 6.30 pm," he said. Some equipment kept in the area was damaged, he said, adding that a nearby haystack also caught fire and it was put out.
Police and local administration quickly began evacuating nearby villages to ensure the safety of residents. The entire area around the plant was cordoned off to prevent any untoward incidents. Efforts were ongoing to safely evacuate people from villages situated close to the plant.
(Inputs from Mukesh Sinha