Major fire in Ashapur oil mill, no casualties reported

VARANASI: A major fire broke out today in an oil mill in Ashapur area of the district, triggering panic among locals, fire department officials said.

"The massive fire broke out at Jhunjhunwala oil mill, setting off blasts in three oil tankers," Fire Officer Subhash Singh said, adding no casualty has been reported so far.

Over a dozen fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the raging inferno, and more fire brigades have been called from adjoining districts.

Though the reason behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained, the fire official said it might have been caused by welding work being carried out on the mill premises.

Before fire fighters could reach the spot, the blaze had engulfed the refinery plant, cattle feed plant and godown of the oil mill, he said.