Nilagiri petrol pump explosion kills worker and sparks protests

A fatal explosion occurred at the Satya Sai Filling Station in Baligohiri, Nilagiri, on Wednesday morning while workers were using gas cutters to dismantle an old fuel storage tank. Residual gas fumes inside the tank ignited, causing a violent blast that propelled a heavy metallic lid into Birendra Singh, a 62-year-old worker, killing him instantly.

The incident triggered intense local outrage, leading hundreds of residents and the victim's family to vandalize parts of the petrol pump premises and blockade the Sheragada–Nilagiri State Highway No. 19. The protest disrupted traffic for several hours until the blockade was lifted following assurances from local administration and company officials that 15 lakh would be provided as compensation to the bereaved family.

Police have detained the petrol pump owner, Dipti Kanta Mahapatra, the manager, Kamala Lochan Nayak, and two gas-cutter workers for questioning as investigations into safety violations continue.