Kochi: A major fire broke out at an oil and lubricant manufacturing unit in the Edayar industrial area of Ernakulam on Thursday morning, leaving one worker dead and several others injured.
The fire started around 8.30 am at a lubricant company located in the industrial zone. Officials said the blaze is suspected to have begun from an oil storage tank and spread quickly because of highly flammable materials stored at the site.
One worker, a migrant labourer from Bihar, lost his life in the incident. Several others suffered injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some reports said at least seven people were hurt, while there were initial fears that another worker might have been trapped inside.
Fire and rescue teams from nearby stations rushed to the spot. Around eight fire engines were used to control the flames. The fire was brought under control after a long effort, as thick smoke and intense heat made rescue work difficult.
Local residents said they heard a loud explosion soon after the fire began. As a safety measure, nearby buildings were evacuated and workers in surrounding units were moved to safer areas.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities said a detailed inspection will be carried out to find out what led to the incident and to check whether proper safety measures were in place at the unit.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in industrial units in the area.