India, Nov. 3 -- A massive fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) refinery in Visakhapatnam following reports of explosion sounds at the facility, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and raising concerns among residents in surrounding areas.

The blaze reportedly originated at a sulphur pitch tank within the refinery. Dramatic visuals from the site showed towering flames accompanied by dense smoke billowing over the industrial facility.

Fire confined to sulphur pitch tank

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi confirmed the incident and said the fire was currently confined to the affected tank.

HPCL fire tenders, along with additional firefighting teams, have been deployed to contain ...