Fire Reported Late at Night

A fire broke out at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery in the Malkapuram–Gajuwaka industrial area of Visakhapatnam at around 10 p.m. on November 2, triggering concern among nearby residents after flames and thick smoke were seen rising from the facility.

Initial reports indicated that the fire occurred at a pitch storage tank within the refinery’s Residue Upgradation Facility. Pitch is a thick, dark residue produced during petroleum refining.

Fire Brought Under Control

HPCL said its Fire and Safety Team promptly activated emergency response measures and contained the blaze within the pitch tank area. The company confirmed that no casualties were reported and that all refinery units were operating safely.

Firefighting teams and emergency personnel responded to the incident. As a precaution, refinery personnel were moved away from the affected area.

Cause Under Investigation

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established. Reports of a blast were circulated after the incident, but the circumstances leading to the fire remain under investigation.

Officials have stated that there is no immediate cause for public panic, while an industrial safety inquiry is expected to examine the incident.