Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2009:
Spilling of petrol from the oil depot of the Indian Oil Corporation (AOD) at Sangakpham triggered fear and apprehension among the people of the surrounding area.
According to information culled from the site of the incident, following leakage in the pipeline connected to the 50000 litre capacity underground fuel tank, the oil has started spilling over the northern wall of the depot just beyond which construction work of the High Court complex is going on.
Spillage was detected for the first time at around 5.15 pm today by some local people who duly reported the matter to the officials of the depot.
Subsequently, fire service personnel have washed away the petrol with the help of a Foam & Co2 Crash Tender.
Members of All Manipur Petroleum Tankers and Drivers' Welfare Assn who rushed in to the spot also helped the fire service personnel in taking up precautionary measures besides providing one truckload of sand.
It is believed that the leakage in the pipeline may be due to corrosion from long years of exposure to inclement weather.
However, none of the IOC officials who could enlighten on the technical aspect of the problem were available for comment.
Security personnel have been deployed around the depot as pre-emptive measure of avoiding any catastrophe.