Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Sep 7: A fire broke out at a petroleum facility in Visakhapatnam on Sunday after lightning struck a petrol tank during a thunderstorm. The incident occurred at East India Petroleum Limited, located near Visakhapatnam Port. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

The fire erupted after a petrol filter tank caught fire due to a lightning strike, with massive flames seen leaping into the rainy sky. Fire tenders were quickly deployed and managed to douse the blaze. Senior officials rushed to the site to assess the situation.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha spoke to senior fire department officials and confirmed that the situation was under control. She urged residents not to panic.

Meanwhile, lightning strikes were also reported in Vizianagaram district, resulting in the death of 30 sheep in Kondagangupudi village, Vepada mandal, and injuries to three people in Munupurai, S. Kota mandal.

In Telangana, Warangal town witnessed heavy rains that caused waterlogging and traffic chaos. Several low-lying areas were inundated, and two Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) buses were caught under a flooded railway bridge. Around 100 passengers were rescued by traffic police.

Citizens criticized the poor drainage system, blaming it for the flooded roads and traffic standstills during the intense downpour, which lasted about an hour.

Separately, a massive fire broke out at an abandoned plastic warehouse in Mylardevpalli, located in Rangareddy district, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Thick smoke engulfed the area, alarming nearby residents. Three fire tenders were deployed, and police have launched an investigation to determine the cause. Local residents claimed the warehouse had been shut for several months.