Worker killed, another seriously injured in explosion at IOCL facility in Chennai

The incident took place when the workers were engaged in welding 'in an ethanol storage tank' after it was emptied.

Chennai: A worker was killed, and another man was seriously injured after an explosion on Wednesday at the Indian Oil Corporation's (IOCL) facility at Tondiarpet in Chennai, an official said.

A Fire and Rescue Services official said the incident took place when workers were engaged in completing tasks like welding 'in an ethanol storage tank' after it was emptied.

Five fire tenders immediately rushed to the spot.

"When we arrived, the fire had already been doused as the IOCL has in-house arrangements and fire safety mechanisms," the official said.

A worker, who is said to be a welder, died on the spot, whereas another worker who is severely injured was rescued by authorities and admitted in hospital.

The cause of the mishap is not clear yet, the official said.