A tragic fire accident and subsequent tank explosion at the Satya Sai Filling Station in Baligohiri (Ward No. 7, Nilagiri NAC) claimed the life of a worker on Wednesday, sparking intense local outrage, vandalism, and traffic disruption along the state highway.
The deceased has been identified as Birendra Singh (alias Hua), son of the late Gananath Singh, hailing from Bimburia village under Remuna Block.
According to sources, three specialised gas-cutter workers from the Kolkata region were tasked with cutting open an old fuel storage tank inside the filling station premises. While executing the work, sparks from the gas cutter unexpectedly ignited residual gas fumes inside the tank, triggering a violent explosion. The force of the blast ripped off the heavy metallic lid of the tank, which struck Birendra Singh—who was working nearby—killing him on the spot.
Police Intervention and Detentions
Upon receiving news of the fatal accident, Nilagiri IIC Gobardhan Nayak rushed to the scene with a police team to control the situation. To ensure a thorough investigation into safety violations and maintain order, police detained four individuals: Dipti Kanta Mahapatra (Owner of the petrol pump), Kamala Lochan Nayak (Manager of the petrol pump), and two gas-cutter workers
Locals Launch Protests, Highway Blocked
News of the tragic death spread quickly, leading to heavy tension in the area. Hundreds of enraged local residents and family members gathered at the spot, demanding strict justice and immediate compensation for the victim’s family.
The agitated crowd vandalised parts of the petrol pump premises before placing the deceased worker’s body on the Sheragada–Nilagiri State Highway No. 19, right in front of the HP Filling Station, blocking all traffic movement.
Given the volatile situation, heavy forces from the Nilagiri Police, along with Fire Services personnel, have been deployed at the location to restore law and order and resume traffic flow. Further investigations into safety breaches during the maintenance work are underway.
