Tirupati: A fire broke out at a palm oil factory in Pantapalem, Mutukur mandal, Nellore district, late Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 10–11 pm, causing panic among local residents as they heard a loud explosion.
According to witnesses, they saw large flames and thick smoke billowing from the palm oil manufacturing plant. Concerned about potential casualties, people rushed towards the scene. Fire services and police quickly arrived on the spot to control the blaze.
Initial reports suggest significant property damage, but authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties. Nellore Rural DSP Ghattamaneni Srinivasa Rao inspected the factory site and conducted an enquiry. Local residents speculated that the fire might have been caused by a boiler explosion, though police stated that a full investigation is needed to determine the exact cause.
District fire officer Vaka Srinivasulu Reddy explained that the fire originated in a by-product unit of the palm oil industry. He noted that the flames appeared more intense due to the factory’s tall tower structure. The fire authorities are assessing the extent of the damage.
