A powerful explosion rocked the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) refinery in Koyali, Gujarat on Monday afternoon at around 3.50pm, sending shockwaves through the region. The incident resulted in a massive fire that engulfed the facility, sending out plumes of thick, black smoke billowing into the sky.

The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest that it may have originated from a boiler or a storage tank within the refinery complex. The blast triggered a chain reaction, leading to a widespread fire that quickly spread across the facility.

Local authorities and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and assess the damage. According to local media reports, firefighting teams and 10 fire tenders worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent further escalation. The area surrounding the refinery was cordoned off to ensure public safety.

Earlier in 2005, a similar fire broke out in its Vadodara facility leaving 13 people injured. While the full extent of the damage and potential injuries remains unclear, the incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance procedures at the IOCL facility.

This is a developing story; we will update this space as and when more information gets available.