13 killed in Indian fuel depot fire

A massive fire has engulfed an oil depot in western India. The blaze has killed at least 13 people and injured more than 200. The army has been called to control the inferno at the Indian Oil Corporation depot on the outskirts of Jaipur.

The blaze started at the depot located in the Sitapura industrial area about 7.30pm local time on Thursday. It quickly spread to adjoining industrial units.

Two villages near the depot were evacuated. Power was cut across the region as a precautionary measure.

Most of the injured were taken to three main hospitals in the city.

India's army joined the rescue operation in areas near where the oil depot is based. Fires were still burning beyond control on Friday morning.

India's Petroleum Minister visited the depot on Friday morning. He said an investigation is underway to uncover the cause of the blaze.

Murli Deora said, "We will investigate and find out the reason behind the mishap. Such mishaps should not happen in future. An enquiry committee will be formed to make sure to adopt new measures, but we can not speak on the that before they know the problem."

Deora will also visit hospitals and meet victims.

He earmarked compensation between half a million rupees to 1 million rupees for victims and their families.