By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 31, 2016 : Just a week before prime minister, Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Paradip to inaugurate the 15 MMPTA (million metric tonnes per annum) plant at the oil refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in Paradip, a fire broke out on Saturday.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the spot on Sunday and said that Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) would investigate into the matter and submit its report within three days.

“The fire has been caused due to technical failure. Oil Industry Safety Directorate would investigate into the incident and submit its report in three days,” Pradhan told media.
Pradhan was in the Port town when the mishap occurred. He was in the port town to oversee the preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

An official said the fire was under control and there were no casualties or major damage.

“Prime Minister’s visit will be as per schedule and there will be no changes. Power ministers from four countries would be present during the inauguration ceremony,” Pradhan added.

A fire engulfed the Atmospheric & Vacuum Unit (AVU) near the gate No.1 of the refinery following which seven fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze. After nearly five hours of hectic efforts of firemen, the fire was put out.

Sources said fire engulfed the atmospheric vacuum unit near the gate No.1 of the refinery, and four fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze.
“There was no loss of life. No damage occurred due to the fire,” the IOCL official told IANS.