Kochi: A fire broke out at the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) plant in Kochi on Tuesday evening. The blaze originated inside the plant's central warehousing unit, the Thripunithura fire force said.

A short circuit from the high-tension cable passing through a trench inside the plant has caused the fire, said Asokakumar KK, vice president of Vadavucode Puthencruz Panchayat. He added that the fire had been contained, but a thick black smoke covered the area following the incident. 

Officials have evacuated around 42 families from the Ayyankuzhi area near the BPCL plant. Though no casualties have been reported, some people sought medical attention after experiencing dizziness and physical discomfort.

Meanwhile, local residents have protested at the site and in front of the BPCL plant. The Deputy Collector, Tahasildar, Village Officer and Panchayath President have arrived at the spot and have spoken with the protesting natives. A meeting has been scheduled for 11.00 am on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

BPCL has not yet officially responded to the incident. However, Asokakumar said that the company has agreed to relocate the residents temporarily near Chottanikkara. 

Apart from the company’s firefighting team, two fire force units from Thripunithura were also deployed to contain the blaze.