One missing, four injured in Tadepalligudem fire mishap

Vijayawada: One worker is missing while four others suffered burn injuries in a major fire mishap on premises of Food, Fats and Fertilisers Limited at Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district on Wednesday.

Fire started at around 3:20 p.m. in the refinery plant where shea nut oil is refined using acetone, a highly flammable solvent. It spread rapidly and engulfed the entire shed of the plant. People of the surroundings could witness huge balls of fire and thick smoke emanating from the factory.

On information, fire brigade personnel reached the spot and put out the fire with three fire tenders mobilised from Tadepalligudem, Tanuku and Athili.

Search is on for the missing worker. Of the four injured, two have been admitted to the local government hospital and the other two shifted to Rajamahendravaram Government Hospital for better treatment. Their condition is stated to be out of danger.

Eluru factories deputy chief inspector R. Trinadha Rao said, “The plant had been shut down for some days for regular maintenance works. It reopened on December 19. Major part of the steel structure at the plant has collapsed due to the fire. We are ascertaining the cause for the mishap. We will take necessary action if any lapses are found.”