Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep regret over the recent fire incident at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra, terming it as “extremely unfortunate.” Following immediate consultations with officials and refinery management, the situation is now fully under control. The Chief Minister emphasized safety standards and postponed the Prime Minister’s visit, directing a high-level inquiry into the incident.
The fire, which erupted on Monday afternoon at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra, led to the postponement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled inauguration. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed the deferment of the dedication ceremony planned for April 21 due to the fire incident near the Crude Distillation Unit at the HRRL refinery. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Initial reports indicated that the fire started around 2 p.m. following an explosion in the Crude and Vacuum Distillation Unit section of the refinery. The rapid spread of the blaze triggered panic among employees and officials present on-site. Emergency protocols were activated promptly, leading to the safe evacuation of all personnel without any injuries or casualties. Swift response from local authorities and fire services helped contain the fire after nearly two hours of intense efforts.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his dismay over the incident, highlighting the significance of the refinery as a matter of pride for the state. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, and plans for the refinery’s rescheduled inauguration will be announced in the future. The HPCL Rajasthan Refinery holds importance as a major development project and a symbol of progress for the state’s residents.
