A major fire broke out at an oil tank storage facility in Vijayawada on Tuesday, billowing thick plumes of black smoke across the skyline.
Witnesses said the inferno began in one of the tanks before rapidly spreading to other units in the large industrial warehouse complex on the city outskirts.
Panicked workers could be seen fleeing to safety as towering flames leaped into the air, fanned by oxygen cylinders on the premises.
Over a dozen fire tenders rushed to the scene but struggled to contain the powerful blaze due to the volatile materials ignited.
Residents were advised to shut windows and stay indoors due to the risk of pollution. Traffic was also diverted as emergency services battled the raging flames.
After hours of pitch battle, firefighters gradually gained control with no reported casualties. The cause is being investigated even as cooling operations continue.
The massive oil tank farm fire has triggered safety concerns about handling combustible goods near populated areas.
