GUWAHATI |  Oil India Limited (OIL) has increased its ex-gratia assistance for the families of six workers who died in a fire at its Intermediate Tank Farm in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district, on November 6, from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh each.

The decision was announced on Wednesday following demands from various organisations for higher compensation and employment for one member of each bereaved family. Separately, the contractor that had engaged the workers has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased worker and Rs 5 lakh for the family of each injured worker.

In a statement, OIL said it was contacting the families of the deceased contractual workers to facilitate the disbursement of the announced assistance, followed by the settlement of applicable statutory dues and benefits.

The company expressed grief over the deaths and said it had made efforts to provide the injured workers with the best available medical care. Despite sustained treatment, however, all six workers eventually succumbed to their injuries.

OIL said a medical specialist had been flown from Delhi to Dibrugarh to assess the injured and guide their treatment. Following a medical assessment, one injured worker was airlifted to Delhi on November 9 for specialised treatment at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.

The company said it remained focused on ensuring medical care for the surviving injured worker and extending support to all affected families. The fire broke out during maintenance work at the tank farm. Six workers were initially rescued and taken for treatment. One died at the site, while the remaining five later succumbed to their injuries at different hospitals.

Of the injured, five were admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh, while one was taken to OIL Hospital in Duliajan.