VASCO: A major tragedy was averted after a fire broke out to the underground pipeline supplying natural gas to the industries at IDC Verna in Cortalim on Sunday afternoon.
According to the information, the gas pipeline was laid down by the Indian Oil Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL) and was connected to industries at IDC Verna from Mormugao Port. However, a trench with exposed pipeline was left open near Consua junction.
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“Some unknown person put fire to the dry grass near Consua junction and the strong winds helped the fire spread in the area quickly. Since this open trench with exposed gas pipeline was located close by, the fire damaged the gas pipeline and soon natural gas started leaking and caught into flames. The fire incident appears to be negligency on part of the IOAGPL,” Dilip Bicholkar, Verna Fire station in-charge told Herald.
Fire personnel from Verna and other locations rushed to the site and immediately brought the flames under control.
Interestingly, there were no officials present at the site from the State administration and those handling disaster management plans, apart from fire and police department.
Meanwhile panic gripped the locals and vehicular riders on NH17B due to the fire incident.
The police and other security personnel were put on toes and were guarding the highway as the convoy of Home Minister Amit Shah was supposed to pass from the highway in regards to BJP meetings scheduled later in the evening on Sunday.
