Offsite Fire Drill conducted near Dhule Depot
An off-site fire drill was conducted by IndianOil on December 30, 2024, in Dhule district of Maharashtra. The drill saw the active involvement of mutual aid members, including Mr Jitendra Sonawane, District Disaster Management Officer, Dhule, who served as the Chief Incident Controller, Officers from Dhule Depot, crew from Mohadi Upnagar Police Station, Traffic Police, Dhule Fire Brigade, ambulance services, and home guards. Mr Ashish Thakkar, Mgr (LNG), IndianOil, acted as the Site Incident Controller, while Mr Jeetendra Kumar, Mgr (LNG), IndianOil, served as the Communication team leader and was an observer of the drill. As per the drill scenario, LNG tanker MP04ZH7795, simulated a sudden pressure rise that triggered the safety valve and caused heavy dispersion of LNG vapours in the vicinity. The Dhule Fire Department responded swiftly, dispersing the vapours using water spray, while a vacant tanker, MP04ZH7714, was rushed to the site to facilitate LNG transfer using an SS hose pipe. During the transfer operation, a leakage in the hose pipe was reported, which could not be arrested using a wet cloth. During the operation, one person fainted due to gas inhalation and required immediate medical attention. He was carefully escorted out of the vapour area and rushed to the nearest medical facility using an ambulance. Leakage led to a fire ignition in the LNG pool. Before the fire-fighting efforts began, DCP fire extinguishers were immediately deployed to suppress the flames, and continuous cooling of both the affected tanker and its fuel tanks was ensured to prevent further escalation. In the meantime, the driver cordoned off all three approach roads leading to the site, using barricading tapes to secure the area and ensure no unauthorised access. The coordinated efforts of all the involved teams, including the fire brigade, medical teams, and law enforcement, were crucial in successfully containing the situation. The fire was extinguished, and the LNG transfer was completed safely, demonstrating a well-executed, effective, and well-organised emergency response from all parties involved.
