Tengakhat Tank Farm Fire: Sarbananda Sonowal Visits Injured, Demands Probe
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visits injured victims of the Oil India Limited Tengakhat tank farm fire and demands compensation and a high-level probe.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Aastha Hospital on Saturday to meet with those injured in the devastating explosion and fire at Oil India Limited's Tengakhat Tank Farm in Assam's Dibrugarh district. The Minister personally reviewed the medical care being provided to the victims and interacted with the hospital administration and doctors to monitor the progress of their treatment.
Tragic Toll of the Explosion
The incident, which occurred on Friday, has left a trail of tragedy. Providing an update on the casualties, Union Minister Sonowal confirmed that seven people were severely injured during the blast and subsequent fire. Out of these seven, three individuals have tragically passed away, while four others remain in critical condition.
"In the incident that occurred yesterday in Tengakhat, 7 people were severely injured. So far, 3 individuals have passed away, and the remaining 4 are in critical condition. This is a deeply tragic event," the Minister stated.
Demands for Compensation and Advanced Care
During his visit and subsequent communications, Sarbananda Sonowal placed a strong emphasis on the responsibility of Oil India Limited (OIL). He urged the company to prioritize the well-being of the victims and their families through the following measures:
- Advanced Medical Treatment: The Minister insisted that those currently in critical condition must receive high-quality and advanced medical care, ensuring no stone is left unturned in their recovery.
- Financial Support: He called for the provision of appropriate compensation to the families of the three deceased workers.
Call for High-Level Investigation
Beyond the immediate medical needs, the Union Minister is seeking accountability and answers. He has called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact causes behind the explosion and fire at the tank farm.
Taking to the social media platform X, Sonowal revealed that he had held a telephonic conversation with the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil India Limited. During the call, he reiterated the need for the best possible medical care for the injured and urged the CMD to ensure adequate compensation for the bereaved families.
The Minister further demanded a high-level inquiry by the concerned department to investigate all related aspects of the disaster and establish why the incident occurred.
Closing his visit, Sarbananda Sonowal extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and offered prayers for the speedy and complete recovery of those still fighting for their lives in the hospital.