A worker was killed after an old underground fuel tank exploded while it was being cut with a gas cutter at a filling station in Balasore district on Wednesday, prompting a protest by his family and a police inquiry into possible safety lapses.
The deceased was identified as 58-year-old Birendra Singh, also known as Hua, from Bimuria village under Remuna block. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in Baligohiri, within the limits of Nilagiri police station.
According to the report, a new fuel tank had been installed at the filling station and workers were engaged in cutting the old tank. The tank exploded during the operation, sending its lid flying. The lid struck Singh, who suffered fatal injuries and died at the site.
The incident led to tension in the area, with locals accusing those responsible of negligence and demanding accountability. Some people allegedly vandalised the premises after the death. Singh’s family later placed his body on the Nilagiri-Sergarh road and blocked traffic while demanding compensation and justice.
Police personnel reached the location and attempted to bring the situation under control. The blockade was withdrawn after discussions with the protesters, according to Gobardhan Nayak, inspector-in-charge of Nilagiri police station.
Singh’s brother, Jogendra Singh, alleged that negligence by the company and petrol pump authorities contributed to the accident. He said precautions should have been taken before using a gas cutter on the old tank, including seeking assistance from fire services. He also pointed to the risk posed by residual gas or other combustible material inside a tank even when it is believed to be empty.
Police took petrol pump owner Diptikanta Mohapatra, manager Kamal Lochan Nayak and two workers involved in the gas-cutting operation to the police station for questioning. The questioning forms part of the inquiry into the circumstances of the explosion and whether required safety measures were followed.
The incident highlights the risks involved in decommissioning and modifying fuel-storage infrastructure at retail outlets. Underground tanks can retain vapours and combustible residue after fuel has been removed, making cutting, welding or other heat-producing work hazardous. The police probe will determine whether the tank was properly emptied, cleaned and declared safe before the work began.
Authorities have not announced whether any arrests have been made or specified the safety rules that may have been breached. The investigation is continuing to establish responsibility for the worker’s death and determine whether safety lapses contributed to the blast.
