A major fire broke out at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited's (HPCL) refinery in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, after an explosion was reported at the site, according to NDTV. Flames rose from the facility and thick smoke spread across the surrounding area, India Today reported.
Hindustan Times reported that the blaze was major and that an explosion was suspected. The Times of India said the fire broke out near an oil tank, while noting that reports of an explosion were still being scrutinized.
The refinery is operated by HPCL and is located in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Multiple outlets, including Deccan Chronicle, described the incident as an explosion followed by a large fire at the refinery.
Details on what caused the blast, the extent of the damage and whether anyone was injured were not available in the reporting summarized above. NDTV and the other outlets did not provide confirmed casualty figures or a damage estimate in the material available.
The incident drew wide coverage across Indian news outlets on Monday, with reports focusing on the scale of the flames and the smoke visible near the refinery.
What to watch next: official statements from HPCL and local authorities on the cause of the blast and any impact on refinery operations.
