Staff Reporter | EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 9
A MAJOR fire broke out this evening at around 7:30 pm next to the Essar petrol station at 7th Mile in Dimapur. Three oil tankers, out of six bound for Manipur, were reported to have exploded in the fire The source of fire is believed to have originated from inside a “garage” located close to the petrol station.Only a thin wall separates the “garage” from the oil station. Though the cause of the fire was not known, residents of the area have, however, pointed fingers at elements indulging in adulteration of oil that led to the inferno.
An estimated 12000-20000 litres of oil, are believed to have literally went up in flames, according to some official sources.
Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, N Hushili Sema and Superintendent of Police, VZ Angami along with other officials were to the spot to monitor the situation.
Besides the state fire services, various other agencies namely the Indian Oil Corporation, Airport Authority of India and Indian military forces have pressed into service their respective fire-trucks to quell the inferno.
What is most distracting was the curiosity of the public which proved to be a major hurdle to the fire-fighters as well as to the flow of the traffic.
Today’s incident has also conveyed a reminder to the state authority on the need for introduction of modern technology to combat such eventuality. The fire which broke out at around 7:30 pm is continuing till the filing of this report.
