What Caused the Fire at the Petroleum Plant in Vizag?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fire at petroleum plant caused by lightning strike.
- No casualties reported.
- Fire services responded swiftly to control the situation.
- Lightning caused additional incidents in nearby areas.
- Heavy rains affected normal life in Warangal.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 7 (NationPress) A fire erupted at a petroleum facility in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Sunday, following a lightning strike on a petrol tank, according to officials. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
Intense flames were visible after a petrol filter tank ignited due to the lightning at East India Petroleum Limited’s site close to Visakhapatnam Port.
The fire raged amidst rainfall, prompting fire tenders to swiftly respond and extinguish the blaze. Senior officials arrived to assess the situation.
Upon learning of the incident, Home Minister V. Anitha contacted senior personnel from the Fire Services Department to evaluate the circumstances. She assured the public that the fire was under control and urged them not to panic.
Additionally, lightning struck various areas in the Vizianagaram district.
In a related incident, at least 30 sheep perished when lightning struck in Kondagangupudi village of Vepada mandal. Three individuals sustained injuries in Munupurai, located in S. Kota mandal.
Moreover, heavy rainfall impacted normal life in Warangal, Telangana on Sunday, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas.
Two buses operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) were stranded in floodwaters under a railway bridge, necessitating rescue efforts for approximately 100 passengers.
The heavy downpour persisted for an hour, submerging roads and halting vehicular traffic, causing significant inconvenience for motorists.
Residents attributed the road flooding to a deficient drainage system.
Additionally, a significant fire broke out at a plastic warehouse in the Mylardevpalli area of Rangareddy district, on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Sunday. Dense black smoke from the warehouse alarmed local residents.
Three fire tenders were deployed to control the fire, with the cause still undetermined.
Local residents noted that the warehouse had been closed for several months. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.