HPCL Refinery Fire: Sulfur Pitch Blaze Brought Under Control, No Casualties
A fire broke out at the HPCL refinery in Malkapuram involving sulfur pitch. No casualties reported as the blaze was quickly extinguished.
A fire broke out at the HPCL refinery fire facility in Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam, sparking momentary panic among locals. However, authorities and company officials have confirmed that the situation is now completely under control and no injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.
The Spark: What Triggered the Blaze?
According to Malkapuram Circle Inspector E Narasimha Rao, the fire originated in the sulfur unit. The blaze specifically involved a substance known as sulfur pitch, which the inspector described as a waste or bottom product of the refining process.
Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Dileep Chakravarthy, who visited the site to assess the damage, revealed that a small blast was reported at the refinery, which subsequently triggered the fire. While the fire was localized, eyewitnesses described seeing large flames rising from the facility, which led many nearby residents to move away in fear.
Swift Response and Containment
The fire was reported around 10 pm on November 2. HPCL stated that their Fire and Safety Team acted promptly, activating emergency response measures immediately. The company noted that the fire was confined to the pitch tank area and was extinguished within a short period.
While HPCL's internal fire tenders handled the situation locally, RDO Dileep Chakravarthy mentioned that the fire was fully put out using a combination of the plant's installed firefighting equipment and resources deployed by the Andhra Pradesh Fire Department.
Official Assurances and Safety Checks
In a statement shared on X, HPCL reassured the public that all units of the Visakhapatnam Refinery are operating safely. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and emergency preparedness.
"There are no casualties, no injuries and no major issues. Everyone is safe, and there is no need for panic," stated Circle Inspector E Narasimha Rao.
Investigation Underway
Despite the lack of casualties, the incident has prompted a formal review. RDO Dileep Chakravarthy confirmed that an enquiry will be initiated into the industrial safety of the facility. This investigation will be conducted in accordance with applicable safety norms to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.