Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: A worker was killed after an abandoned underground fuel storage tank exploded during dismantling work at a petrol pump in Odisha’s Baleswar district on Wednesday.

The tragic incident occurred at Baligohiri in Nilagiri town, triggering tension in the area and protests by local residents.

According to sources, three labourers from Kolkata were engaged in cutting an old underground oil tank at the filling station when it suddenly caught fire and exploded with a loud bang. The force of the blast was so intense that the tank’s lid was thrown into the air and struck Birendra Singh, a petrol pump staff member. Singh, a resident of Bimuria village under Remuna block, died on the spot.

Upon receiving information, Nilagiri police rushed to the scene and initiated an investigation into the incident. Police detained petrol pump owner Dipti Kanta Mohapatra, manager Kamalalochan Nayak and two workers for questioning to ascertain the circumstances leading to the explosion.

Meanwhile, the incident sparked outrage among local residents, who staged a protest at the petrol pump demanding justice for the deceased. Angry protesters also allegedly damaged property at the premises.

Police have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the explosion and examine whether adequate safety precautions were followed during the dismantling of the underground tank.

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