Imphal, Nov 23: Imphalites today were shocked to witness PCTC oil pump caught by an inferno when the state is facing extreme hardship due to scarcity of fuel. Report said that the inferno sparked at around 11. 40 am today morning when people are waiting in queue to get petrol at the oil pump here in the capital. “People were waiting in queue to get petrol when the fire broke out”, said a local of Thangmeiband said.
A passenger Auto bearing registration No. MN 01-7669 which was waiting in queue was also ravaged in the fire.
PCTC Oil pump is located near the Southern gate of DM College campus and is close to the JN Dance Academy Imphal.
After United Naga Council (UNC) had imposed indefinite economic blockade along the National High way since November 1, people of the state has been facing extreme hardship due to fuel scarcity. Only few days back the state government had transported the fuel in full security and started distributing on rationing basis.
Picture uploaded through social media showed the petrol pump caught by the inferno. Nearby residents were put in complete confusion in panic. Police which rushed to the spot prevented vehicles at both ends of the road coming from the opposite directions where the Petrol pump is located.
Fire Service rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire from turning the area into ashes at around 12 noon. After few hours the firemen successfully extinguished the fire.
Photo captured from the complex suggested that the fire could have sparked while trying to unload the petrol to a half drum. Report said that fuel loaded trucks are not permitted to unload at any containers but is mandatory to unload it to the underground tank.
Even as the scene suggested massive damage in the petrol pump, only the truck and some portion were reported damage in the inferno. The underground fuel tank is reported to be saved.
Miraculously no person was injured in the inferno.