Massive Fire Erupts at India's Visakhapatnam Oil Refinery After Explosion

VISAKHAPATNAM, Nov 2: A massive fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) refinery in India's port city of Visakhapatnam following an explosion late Monday night, triggering a major firefighting operation.

The fire reportedly originated in a sulfur pitch tank, sending towering flames and thick clouds of smoke into the air and raising concerns among residents in nearby neighborhoods.

Several fire engines and emergency response teams were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the refinery.

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi confirmed the incident, stating that the fire was confined to the tank and posed no threat to other parts of the refinery.

Footage broadcast by Indian news channel NDTV showed thick smoke billowing over the surrounding areas as firefighters battled the flames.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Firefighting operations were continuing as emergency teams worked to bring the situation under control.