Explosion and Fire at BPCL Unit in Kochi Causes Panic and Evacuation

Explosion and Fire at BPCL Unit in Kochi Causes Panic and Evacuation

Emilia Jackson 09-Jul-2025

The fire erupted near BPCL's central warehousing unit in Kochi after an underground KSEB electric line exploded.

A significant fire incident unfolded late Tuesday, July 8, 2025, evening near the central warehousing unit of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Ambalamugal, Kochi, following the explosion of an underground 220KV electric line belonging to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The blast triggered widespread panic and led to the emergency evacuation of residents, particularly from the Ayyankuzhi locality.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before thick plumes of black smoke enveloped the area. Several individuals from Ayyankuzhi experienced severe breathing difficulties and collapsed after inhaling the smoke, necessitating their urgent transportation to nearby hospitals.

The incident sparked immediate protests from local residents and panchayat members, who gathered in front of the BPCL facility. A fire force officer confirmed that the KSEB 220KV underground line, situated approximately 10 feet below ground and covered by a concrete slab, was the source of the explosion. Fire personnel from BPCL, in collaboration with KSEB teams, are actively engaged in efforts to extinguish the blaze by pumping water and foam into the trench where the cable is located.

"Residents were in a state of panic, as they were unsure whether the smoke was a result of a chemical explosion at BPCL," stated a fire force officer, adding, "However, the situation is currently under control."

Councillor Elsy Poulose reiterated the residents' distress, noting that while the situation has relatively improved, panic persists, fueling ongoing protests. She highlighted the visible thick black smoke emanating from the cables and mentioned that efforts are underway to relocate 42 families from the affected area, with BPCL officials arranging temporary accommodation for one day.

Sources within BPCL indicated that the cable originates from the Brahmapuram KSEB substation and runs through a trench within the company's compound. A voltage fluctuation in the power distribution system is suspected to have triggered the fire. The power disruption caused by the incident has also impacted the functioning of one of BPCL's plants.

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