A major fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) refinery in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday night, November 2, triggering panic in nearby residential and industrial areas. Massive flames rose into the night sky as thick clouds of black smoke spread across the surrounding localities.
Fire Reported in Refinery’s Storage Tank
The incident occurred at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery in the Malkapuram area of Visakhapatnam. The fire was reported around 10 pm in a pitch intermediate storage tank located within the refinery’s Residue Upgradation Facility. The tank was associated with the refinery’s sulphur unit. A blast was also reported before the fire broke out, although the exact cause of the incident has not yet been established.
Firefighting Teams Rushed to the Spot
Following the incident, HPCL’s internal firefighting and safety teams immediately launched emergency operations. Six fire tenders were pressed into service to control the flames. Personnel were moved to safer locations as a precaution, while police officials secured the surrounding area. Videos showing towering flames and thick smoke quickly circulated on social media, raising concerns among residents.
No Casualties, All Refinery Units Safe
Authorities confirmed that the fire was confined to the affected tank and did not spread to other sections of the refinery. The blaze was brought under control within a short time, with no injuries or casualties reported. HPCL also confirmed that all refinery units were operating safely following the incident.
Investigation Into Fire Underway
Local officials stated that there was no need for panic as the situation had been brought under control. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess industrial safety measures at the facility. The extent of property damage is also to be evaluated. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.