Balasore, Oct 28: A worker was killed in a major explosion while an old underground tank was being cut at a petrol pump in Baligohiri, under Nilagiri in Odisha’s Balasore district. The incident triggered tension in the area, with the deceased’s family members and villagers blocking a state highway to demand strict action.

The deceased has been identified as Birendra Singh of Bimburia village.

According to reports, a new tank had been installed at the petrol pump by the company and placed over the old tank. Workers were cutting the old tank using a gas cutter when it suddenly exploded.

Pieces of metal from the tank struck Birendra, killing him on the spot.

Following the incident, the deceased’s family members and villagers expressed strong resentment and staged a road blockade by placing the body on the Seragarh-Udala State Highway. They demanded strict action over the incident and warned that the blockade would continue until their demands were met.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the incident and detained the petrol pump owner for questioning.

The investigation will examine whether any safety lapses occurred during the cutting of the old tank. Further details are awaited.