Fire at IOC depot near Jaipur continues for 5th day

The fire at the IOC fuel depot near Jaipur continues to rage for the fifth day although there were signs that the flames are abating, according to reports. The death toll stands at 11 since the fire began on Thursday.

The fire at the IOC fuel depot near Jaipur continues to rage for the fifth day although there were signs that the flames are abating, according to reports. The death toll stands at 11 since the fire began on Thursday.

According to media reports, intense heat caused the blast of two barrels of lubricants on Sunday. Also the fire, on Sunday, had spread to the roof of the building of a private electronic and instrument company Genus, 200 metres from the IOC complex wall. However, firemen extinguished it within two hours.

Schools and colleges, which have been closed for the past few days, are likely to reopen on Tuesday.

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Meanwhile, Rajasthan government directed state officials Sunday night to prepare a survey report and adopt a follow up action plan with regard to the massive fire which broke out at the IOC fuel depot near Jaipur.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asked the administration not to leave any stone unturned in bringing the fire under control and extending assistance to the victims.

The district collector who visited the site on Sunday also apprised Gehlot about the suggestions made by fire experts
that instead of adopting alternative methods to douse the fire, it would be far better and safer to let the fire die
down on its own.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court will hear a PIL on the government's failure to control fire, on Tuesday, which names both the IOC and Petroleum Ministry.