Dibrugarh: A worker injured in the Nov 6 explosion at Oil India Limited’s Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat died during treatment, taking the death toll to four.The deceased, identified as Sailen Gogoi, a 45-year-old resident of Tengakhat, was among seven workers who suffered burn injuries in the incident. The other victims were Raju Dutta (45), who died at the site, Tapas Gogoi (40) of Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh, and Rupam Gohain (47) of Chabua. Tapas died at a private hospital in Dibrugarh, while Rupam succumbed at a private hospital in Guwahati on Saturday.The explosion occurred around 9.05 am while workers were carrying out maintenance. 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 injured were initially admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh and OIL Hospital in Duliajan. Those requiring specialised care were later shifted to private hospitals. All of them were employed by Mumbai-based Spectron Engineers Private Limited, an OIL contractor.OIL announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 5 lakh for each injured worker.The company suspended four personnel — three officers and one employee — for alleged dereliction of duty and initiated disciplinary action.Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited injured workers at a private hospital in Dibrugarh on Saturday.OIL has formed an internal inquiry committee to examine the incident and recommend preventive measures. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be established.
