According to local media sources, a fire broke out at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) Kochi refinery on the evening of July 8, spreading dense black smoke throughout the surrounding area. The fire started near the central warehousing unit and was reportedly sparked by a power surge in a 200-kilovolt underground wire that runs via a buried trench on the refinery property.
Authorities acted quickly, mobilizing BPCL’s internal firefighting squad as well as local fire force units from Thripunithura. There were no fatalities reported, but numerous residents experienced disorientation and physical discomfort.
As a precaution, approximately 42 residents from the adjoining Ayyankuzhi neighborhood were evacuated. While BPCL has not issued an official announcement, it has agreed to temporarily move affected residents to a location near Chottanikkara.
