Rajasthan CM orders high-level probe into Pachpadra refinery fire, calls it 'unfortunate'

Jaipur, April 20 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday termed the fire incident at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra as “extremely unfortunate” and said he held immediate consultations with administrative officials and refinery management to assess the situation. Authorities confirmed that the situation is now fully under control. 

CM Sharma said, “The fire incident at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra is extremely unfortunate. In this regard, I held immediate consultations with administrative officials and the refinery management to obtain detailed information about the situation.

“Currently, the situation is completely under control. Prioritising safety standards above all else, the Prime Minister’s proposed visit has been postponed for the time being. Directives have been issued for a high-level inquiry into this incident,” he said, adding that the grand inauguration of the refinery — described as a symbol of hope for the people of the state -- will be carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a later date.

A fire broke out on Monday afternoon at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra, located in Balotra district, leading to the postponement of the scheduled inauguration by PM Modi.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) confirmed that the dedication ceremony, originally planned for April 21, has been deferred following the incident.

In an official statement, the Ministry said, “Due to an unfortunate fire incident today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit at the HRRL refinery, the scheduled dedication of the refinery by the Prime Minister on April 21, 2026, has been postponed. The fire has been brought under control. There are no reports of any casualties. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident.”

According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 2 p.m. following an explosion in an exchanger located in the CDU-VDU (Crude and Vacuum Distillation Unit) section of the refinery. The blaze spread rapidly, causing panic among employees and officials present at the site.

Emergency protocols were immediately activated, and the refinery premises were evacuated as a precautionary measure. All personnel were safely escorted out, and no injuries or casualties have been reported.

Local administration and emergency services responded swiftly. Fire tenders -- many of which were already stationed nearby in view of the Prime Minister’s scheduled programme -- were immediately deployed to control the blaze.

Firefighters worked for nearly two hours to contain the fire, which has now been brought under control. Cooling operations and safety assessments are currently under way.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot termed the incident “extremely unfortunate”. In a post on X, he expressed concern, stating that the refinery is a matter of pride for the state and conveyed his wishes for the safety of all personnel.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to implement necessary safety measures. A revised date for the refinery’s inauguration -- considered a major development project and a symbol of progress for the people of the state — will be announced in due course.