A major fire broke out at the East India Petrochemicals Limited (EIPL) plant in Visakhapatnam on Sunday (September 7). Firefighters are trying to control the blaze. No casualties were reported. The fire was suspected to have broken out due to lightning, said State Fire Service Regional Fire Officer D. Niranjan Reddy.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Niranjan said the incident occurred around 2.30 pm. A 7,500-litre methanol tank exploded owing to lightning strike. The fire was almost under control, but some smoke continued rise till Sunday evening.
Seven fire tenders, including four from the Fire Department, one each from Visakhapatnam Port, HPCL Visakh Refinery and Andhra Petrochemicals Limited, have been rushed to the spot.
