Fire breaks out at HPCL Visakh Refinery; no casualties reported

Visakhapatnam A major fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Visakh Refinery late on Monday evening. The fire originated in the Pitch Tower of the newly integrated Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF). The sudden explosion and intense flames caused brief panic among residents in neighbouring localities, according to the officials. Reassuring the public, Malkapuram Inspector of Police E. Narasimha Rao issued a voice message confirming that the situation was under control. He said that HPCL’s internal Fire and Safety Department responded immediately with their own fire tenders to suppress the blaze, eliminating the need for external fire engines. He further confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries reported. The RUF unit processes heavy vacuum residue oil into high-value clean fuels like diesel and petrol. High operating temperatures and dense petroleum pitch caused thick black smoke during the initial fire outbreak.