Fire still rages in Vizag's Duvvada SEZ

Fire was still raging in a biodiesel factory in Duvvada Special Economic Zone (SEZ), more than 12 hours after it broke out, police said on Wednesday.

Huge flames were still seen in Biomax Fuels Limited and the officials said the Tuesday's fire may not be brought under control till evening.

As many as 40 fire engines were on the scene, trying to extinguish the blaze. A helicopter of the Indian Navy flew over to monitor the situation.

Visakhapatnam district collector Yuvaraj said 12 tanks of crude oil and biodiesel caught the fire, which broke out around 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. Six of them tanks blew up with huge explosions.

Officials said efforts were being to contain the flames from reaching six other fuel tanks in the factory premises.

Officials said fire could come under control after the fuel in the tanks which are on fire is completely burnt. Each of these tanks has a capacity of 3,000 litres and were filled between 30 to 70 percent.

Foam fire engines from Visakha Shipyard and Visakha Steel Plant were battling to control the fire since last night. Navy and Visakhapatnam Port were also helping in dousing the fire.

State minister G. Srinivas Rao said two company employees sustained minor injuries while others present in the premises escaped to safety.

The huge fire triggered panic among residents in adjoining residential areas.A Authorities evacuated few areas.

The fire believed to have resulted in a loss of aroundARs.200 crore.A The cause of the fire is still not known.

--IANS

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