Haldia: More than 20 people were injured, including five critically, after a major fire broke out in a naphtha pipeline belonging to Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

The blaze was first reported at around 2.45 am and spread rapidly, engulfing several houses in the Chiranjibpur area of Ward 13 under Haldia Municipality.

Twelve fire engines were rushed to the spot, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Cooling operations were continuing at the site.

According to police, over 20 people, most of them local residents, sustained burn injuries in the incident.

"Over 20 people, mostly locals, were injured in the fire. Out of them, five are critical. Some are undergoing treatment here while some were referred to hospitals in Kolkata," a police officer said.

Two security personnel employed by HPL were also among those injured.

The injured were initially admitted to Haldia Sub-Divisional Hospital. Five critically injured patients were later shifted to Tamluk Medical College and Hospital, while around 10 others were being transferred to Kolkata, including to SSKM Hospital, NRS Medical College and Hospital, and two private hospitals for specialised treatment.

Police said the fire is suspected to have been caused by a leak in the naphtha pipeline, although the exact cause will be established after a formal investigation.

"The firefighters are using foam and fly ash, and hopefully it will be doused soon," the officer said, adding that several houses were completely destroyed in the blaze.

The fire also damaged overhead railway equipment near the site, disrupting train services in the area, officials said.

In a statement, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd said preliminary findings suggested the incident may have occurred near an unauthorised naphtha theft point in the vicinity of its plant.

The company noted that naphtha is a highly combustible and extremely flammable hydrocarbon and said it has repeatedly warned local communities against unauthorised access to or handling of petroleum products because of the serious safety risks involved.

HPL said it would be premature to attribute responsibility before the investigation is completed and affirmed that it would fully cooperate with the investigating agencies.

"Our thoughts are with those affected," the company said.