Worker killed in Balasore filling station blast, protests erupt

Balasore: A worker was killed in an explosion while an old underground fuel tank was being cut with a gas cutter at a filling station in Baligohiri under Nilagiri police limits in Balasore district on Wednesday. The incident triggered tension at the petrol pump, with angry locals demanding justice for the deceased.The deceased was identified as Birendra Singh, alias Hua (58), of Bimuria village under Remuna block. He was working at the filling station when the explosion occurred.According to sources, a new fuel tank had been installed at the petrol pump, and work was underway to cut the old tank using a gas cutter. The tank suddenly exploded during the operation, sending its lid flying and striking Birendra. He sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot.Following the incident, tension prevailed at the petrol pump as locals accused those responsible for the work of negligence. Some angry people allegedly vandalised the premises, demanding accountability for the worker’s death.Nilagiri police station IIC Gobardhan Nayak reached the spot with a police team and initiated an investigation. Police took petrol pump owner Diptikanta Mohapatra, manager Kamal Lochan Nayak and two workers engaged in the gas-cutting operation to the police station for questioning.Meanwhile, Birendra’s family members staged a protest by placing his body on the Nilagiri-Sergarh road, demanding compensation and justice. Police personnel attempted to pacify the protesters and bring the situation under control.Birendra’s brother, Jogendra Singh, alleged that negligence on the part of the company and petrol pump authorities had led to the tragedy.“Before cutting a fuel tank with a gas cutter, the authorities should have taken the necessary precautions. Even if a tank is empty, residual gas or other combustible substances may remain inside, creating a risk of an explosion. No adequate safety measures were taken to prevent such an accident,” he alleged.He further claimed that the authorities should have called the fire services and adopted other precautionary measures before starting the work.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.