HPCL refinery fire in Visakhapatnam: Massive blaze erupts, no casualties reported; probe underway

A major fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) refinery in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam late on Monday night, triggering panic among residents in nearby areas. Thick clouds of black smoke and massive flames were seen rising from the refinery premises.

The incident took place at the HPCL refinery in the Gajuwaka industrial area.

According to police officials, the fire is believed to have erupted at a sulphur pitch tank located within the refinery's Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF).

Speaking to reporters, Malkapuram police inspector Prakash Rao said the tank caught fire, resulting in massive flames and thick smoke. Local residents reportedly heard sounds resembling an explosion, although police have not confirmed whether an explosion took place.

An HPCL employee said the flames quickly spread to nearby areas, sending thick clouds of black smoke into the sky and causing panic among people living in the surrounding localities.

Following the incident, several residents rushed out of their homes as a precautionary measure. The refinery's internal firefighting teams immediately reached the spot and launched operations to control the blaze.

According to the police, firefighting operations were carried out by the refinery's internal teams, and fire tenders from other parts of the city were alerted. However, outside assistance was not required as the internal firefighting teams managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour.

As a precautionary measure, refinery officials suspended the power supply to the affected area and evacuated personnel to safer locations.

Inspector Prakash Rao confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries in the incident. He also assured that there was no need for panic among HPCL employees or residents living in the surrounding areas.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established. An HPCL employee said further details would be known after an investigation on Tuesday.

The incident comes as a major fire at an industrial facility raises concerns among residents, although authorities have confirmed that the situation has been brought under control and no casualties have been reported.