India, June 4 -- A massive fire broke out at the Pallikaranai dumpyard in Chennai on Thursday, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and affecting visibility in surrounding areas, officials said.

The dumpyard, located near the ecologically sensitive Pallikaranai marshland, witnessed rapid spread of flames, triggering panic among residents and commuters in nearby localities.

According to officials, at least six fire tenders were immediately deployed to the spot to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Fire and rescue personnel worked to bring the situation under control amid difficult conditions caused by dense smoke.

Authorities said abandoned and seized vehicles dumped at the site also caught fire, furthe...