A day before the scheduled inauguration of Pachpadra refinery in Balotra, a major fire broke out at the refinery's crude distillation unit (CDU). No casualty has been reported so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the refinery on Tuesday.
The moment smoke came out fire brigade vehicles reached the spot. All editors were made to douse the fire. The entire area has been evacuated for security reasons. The employees have been evacuated safely.
Officials said the damage and causes could be assessed only after the fire was completely brought under control. Vigilance has been heightened in the area after the incident.
The Rs 80,000 crore refinery – a joint venture between Rajasthan government and Hindustan Petroleum – has 13 processing units including 9 oil refineries and 4 petrochemical units.
The police is investigating and looking into the conspiracy angle as well.
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