3 CISF personnel among 4 killed in fire at ONGC plant

Four persons including three personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were killed when fire broke out at a facility of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) at Uran near Mumbai on Tuesday.

The ONGC Uran facility is located in the neighbouring Raigad district.

According to the state-run ONGC, the fire broke out at the stormwater drainage system of the exploration agency's Uran plant.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

The Navi Mumbai police and ONGC confirmed four deaths.

The three jawans from CISF's Fire Wing were identified as Head Constable Eranna Nayaka, Constable Satish Prasad and Constable Mahendra Kumar.

"CISF salutes their supreme sacrifice. They attained martyrdom during fire fighting operation. CISF will be indebted for their bravery and commitment. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the CISF said.

The fourth victim is a senior ONGC officer.

The fire erupted around 7 am and was doused at 10 am.

Flames and black smoke could be seen billowing out of the plant.

More than two dozen firefighters were involved in the operation.

"We are extremely sad to have lost four precious lives- three CISF jawans and a senior ONGC officer in the unfortunate fire incident in Uran plant inspite of valiant efforts made to contain blaze in less than two hrs time," the ONGC said.

It also said that there was no impact on oil processing. Gas was diverted to Hazira plant.

Because of the fire, PNG and CNG supplies of Mahanagar Gas Ltd was hit.

Accordingly, the MGL has advised industrial and commercial customers to switch over to alternate fuel till the gas supplies across MGLs’ network is restored by ONGC. It was not immediately clear when the gas supplies would be restored for normal operations.