Gas-laden tanker catches fire at HIL; eight injured

Kochi: At least eight persons were injured, one of them seriously, when a fire broke out following a gas leak on the premises of Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) at nearby Kalamassery Industrial Area Wednesday, police said.

A factory official, who did not wish to be named, said there was a gas leak, but declined to provide more details.

Police said the accident occurred when the tyres of a tanker lorry, which brought carbon disulfide to HIL caught fire and exploded as the gas was being transferred to the facility set up in the factory, injuring eight persons.

Three fire engines, which rushed to the area, doused the flames.

The injured have been admitted to various private hospitals in Kochi and the condition of one of them was stated to be serious, police said.

Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla said the situation is under control.

Hindustan Insecticides Limited is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.