April 8, 2012:

Guwahati,  Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) today ordered an inquiry into the major fire which broke out in its Hydro Cracker Unit. Both the police and NRL authorities have prima facie ruled out the possibility of sabotage as the plant was located in the centre of the refinery and there were several layers of security in the area. “Prima facie, it appears to be a case of technical fault caused probably by a leakage but the committee will inquire into the details of the accidental fire,” a senior NRL official at the refinery said.

A NRL official said that the committee, headed by an officer of the General Manager rank, would inquire into the cause of the fire and also the extent of damage. The plant has been closed down and it would take at least a month to restore its operations as its equipment and technology is provided by Chevron, a US-based company. The fire broke out in the HP Fin Fan Cooler Area of the refinery last evening and onsite disaster was immediately declared.

Fire Service from NRL immediately rushed to the site and started fighting the fire with water and foam. Cooling with water was done for the nearby reactors, other equipment and structures and the fire was extinguished by 9 pm. Representatives from the district administration arrived at the site and also provided necessary assistance, the official added.

 By BusinessLine