A fire erupted at East India Petroleum Chemicals Limited (EIPL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, after a lightning strike hit a methanol storage tanker with a capacity of 7,500 KL. Industrial and naval fire tenders responded immediately, and on Monday, the Indian Navy deployed a Seaking helicopter, which dropped water and foam in multiple sorties to control the blaze.
Thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported, and firefighting and cooling operations are ongoing while authorities assess damage and safety risks at the facility.
Rapid Response Controls Blaze
The fire began around 2:30 pm during a thunderstorm when lightning struck the methanol tanker at the EIPL premises in the Scindia locality of Visakhapatnam city. The strike ignited the highly flammable chemical, causing flames and thick smoke visible across the area. Regional Fire Officer, D Niranjan Reddy, detailed the swift mobilisation of fire response, with four foam tenders from the state Fire Service and three others from HPCL, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd.
More than 50 fire personnel worked to bring the blaze under control in about an hour. The Indian Navy’s Seaking helicopter contributed crucial aerial support from INS Dega, releasing large quantities of water and foam over the fire’s core to cool temperatures and suppress flames. The efforts were supported by heavy rainfall at the time, which helped prevent the fire from spreading to four nearby diesel storage tanks, averting a larger disaster.
Industrial Safety Concerns Rekindled
Though the fire was extinguished without injuries, the incident has revived deep concerns about industrial safety in Visakhapatnam, a city that experienced the tragic LG Polymers gas leak in 2020, which killed 11 people and injured hundreds. Safety experts emphasise the critical need for upgraded lightning protection and fire prevention systems at such chemical storage facilities, especially located in coastal zones prone to extreme weather.
Environmental teams have been tasked with assessing any potential chemical leaks into the air and soil. Fire officers continue to monitor the situation closely, draining methanol from the affected tanker to prevent further hazards. Meanwhile, officials from the Andhra Pradesh government, including Home Minister Vangakapaudi, have inspected the site and assured strict oversight.
The EIPL serves as a key storage and transit point for petroleum, oil, lubricants, chemicals, and LPG supplied largely to regional industries, highlighting the vital importance of stringent safety protocols.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident serves as a reminder that the residents living around industrial complexes constantly face risks that demand improved and proactive safety measures. The rapid and coordinated efforts of fire services and the Indian Navy reflect effective disaster management, yet prevention should be the priority.
It is essential that companies invest more in technological upgrades to withstand natural hazards such as lightning strikes, while government agencies enforce stricter safety audits and communicate transparently with the public. Beyond managing crises, fostering a culture of safety and environmental stewardship through training and infrastructure improvements will protect both workers and communities.
