ASSAM: OIL Contract Worker Died in Tragic Oil Rig Accident in Naharkatia; Another Worker Injured

Guwahati: The tragically deceased’s name is Kiran Gogoi, a resident of Naharkatia who was working in the site being operated by Asian Drill Tech Energy, a private firm contracted by Oil India Limited(Oil)

The deceased Kiran Gogoi, a resident of Konwarijan village in Hudupara, Naharkatia, was serving as the drilling in-charge at the rig when the incident occurred late last night on Sunday. The site of the accident is the NHK-40 oil field in the Bahdari area of Naharkatia. The site was being operated by Asian Drill Tech Energy, a private firm contracted by OIL.

According to reports, a massive drilling iron pipe collapsed during operations, striking Kiran Gogoi in the head and another worker, Mohan Sonowal of Tengakhat. Fellow workers rushed to their aid and transported them to the Oil India Hospital in Duliajan. Gogoi was declared dead on arrival, while Sonowal, who suffered serious injuries, was later referred to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh for further treatment.

The rig, managed by Mintu Saikia and Asik Rahman on behalf of Asian Drill Tech, has come under scrutiny for allegedly operating with ageing machinery. Enraged locals and workers have blamed the accident on the use of obsolete and unsafe equipment by them. Even the safety measures kept in place could not stop this fatal incident. 

In response to the incident, Naharkatia MLA Taranga Gogoi visited the site and interacted with workers and company officials. Calling the accident “deeply unfortunate,” he demanded a magisterial inquiry to fix accountability and ensure justice for the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the Oil Drilling and Production Workers’ Union issued a strong condemnation of the contractor’s alleged negligence. Union leaders demanded swift and adequate compensation for the deceased worker’s family, improved safety assurances for contract workers, and a comprehensive investigation into Asian Drill Tech Energy’s operations.