Dibrugarh: Worker Indra Gogoi (40), who was critically injured in the Nov 6 explosion at Oil India Limited’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, was airlifted to New Delhi on Monday.Gogoi, who suffered severe burn injuries, was shifted by air ambulance for specialised treatment. The accident has claimed four lives.The deceased were identified as Raju Dutta (45), Tapas Gogoi (40), Rupam Gohain (47), and Sailen Gogoi (45). Dutta died at the site, while the other three succumbed to their injuries at hospitals in Dibrugarh and Guwahati.Two other workers with critical burn injuries are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dibrugarh, according to sources.The explosion occurred around 9.05 am while workers were carrying out maintenance activities. According to OIL’s preliminary assessment, it took place in the Indirect Bath Heater area of the tank farm, which had been isolated for maintenance since Nov 4. The blast triggered a fire and injured seven personnel of the operations and maintenance contractor.The injured were initially admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh and OIL Hospital in Duliajan. All seven were employees of Mumbai-based Spectron Engineers Pvt Ltd, engaged by OIL for maintenance work.OIL announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 5 lakh to each injured employee. It also suspended four personnel—three officers and one employee—for alleged dereliction of duty.Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been monitoring the situation. OIL has formed an internal inquiry committee. The accident’s exact cause has not been officially established.
