Visakhapatnam: A massive fire broke out at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) refinery in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, late Monday night, November 2, 2026, following reports of an explosion inside the facility. Huge flames and thick clouds of smoke rose into the sky, triggering panic among residents in nearby industrial and residential areas.
The incident was reported at around 10 PM at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery in the Malkapuram area. Initial reports indicated that the fire originated in a pitch intermediate storage tank associated with the refinery’s Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF).
Fire Breaks Out Near Storage Tank
According to preliminary information, the fire erupted in the pitch storage tank area, with flames spreading rapidly and becoming visible from neighbouring localities. The thick smoke and towering flames attracted considerable attention, while videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Residents in nearby areas, including Malkapuram and Sriharipuram, expressed concern after witnessing the intense fire and hearing reports of an explosion at the refinery.
The exact cause of the incident has not yet been officially established. Some preliminary reports suggested a possible electrical fault, while authorities were examining the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control
Following the incident, HPCL’s internal firefighting and emergency response teams immediately launched operations to contain the blaze. Multiple fire tenders, including six firefighting vehicles according to local reports, were deployed to tackle the fire.
Firefighters managed to confine the blaze to the affected pitch tank area and brought it under control within a short period. Emergency response measures were activated to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the refinery.
No Casualties Reported, HPCL Confirms
HPCL subsequently issued an official statement confirming that a fire had been reported at the pitch intermediate storage tank at approximately 10 PM on November 2.
The company stated that its Fire and Safety Team promptly activated emergency response measures and successfully brought the fire under control.
Importantly, no casualties were reported in the incident. HPCL also confirmed that all units at the Visakh Refinery were operating safely following the firefighting operation.
Investigation Into Cause Of Fire Underway
Although the immediate threat was contained, officials are expected to assess the extent of damage to the affected storage tank and determine what triggered the incident.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of industrial safety measures and emergency preparedness at large petroleum and refinery facilities.
Authorities and HPCL officials are monitoring the situation, while residents have been advised not to panic over unverified reports circulating on social media.
With the fire successfully contained and no casualties reported, normal operations across the refinery’s other units have continued.
