India, April 19 -- A massive fire broke out at the JWR Logistics facility on the Palaspe-JNPA Highway near Padeghar, close to Panvel, on Saturday afternoon, sending up thick plumes of smoke and triggering explosions in a hazardous chemical storage section. The blaze was reported around 3 pm, and its cause is yet to be known.

According to fire officials, explosions were heard shortly after the fire started, as flames quickly spread to an area storing hazardous chemical materials, complicating access for emergency teams.

Teams from CIDCO, Panvel Municipal Corporation and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority rushed to the spot. CIDCO chief fire officer Vijay Rane said they received a call and immediately mobilised resources.

"After seeing the ...