Visakhapatnam fire: Huge blaze in India as city engulfed by smoke

A huge explosion has sparked a fire in Visakhapatnam, India, on Monday as images show a huge cloud of smoke above the city. The fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) following reports of sudden explosion sounds at the facility. At the moment, the cause and the extent of the fire remain unclear.

According to an HPCL employee, the blaze is believed to have erupted within the refinery's premises, Hindustan Times reports. "We have heard sounds of an explosion in the area. Flames quickly spread to nearby areas, sending thick clouds of black smoke into the sky and engulfing the surrounding locality," the employee said.

Residents in nearby areas rushed out of their homes after they were alarmed by the massive flames and thick smoke.

The refinery's internal firefighting teams, along with fire engines from different parts of the city, rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations.

Police personnel were also deployed around the facility to prevent people from entering the affected premises.

As a precautionary measure, refinery officials suspended power supply to the affected area and evacuated personnel to safer locations.

Firefighters were continuing efforts to bring the blaze completely under control. There was no immediate information about casualties or the extent of damage caused by the fire.

Visakhapatnam is located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

HPCL is a major public sector oil refining company.

In 2013, two persons died and 37 people were injured due to an explosion at the HPCL plant. The fire was reportedly due to a short circuit that resulted in the blasting of a cooling tower.