Massive fire at Chennai Pallikaranai Dumpyard, thick smoke engulfs nearby areas
A massive fire broke out at the Pallikaranai dumpyard in Chennai on Thursday, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and affecting visibility in surrounding areas, officials said.
The dumpyard, located near the ecologically sensitive Pallikaranai marshland, witnessed rapid spread of flames, triggering panic among residents and commuters in nearby localities.
According to officials, at least six fire tenders were immediately deployed to the spot to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Fire and rescue personnel worked to bring the situation under control amid difficult conditions caused by dense smoke.
Authorities said abandoned and seized vehicles dumped at the site also caught fire, further intensifying the blaze and increasing smoke levels across the area.
Greater Chennai Corporation officials later stated that the fire had largely been brought under control, and teams were continuing operations to completely extinguish the remaining hotspots.
Residents in nearby areas reported breathing discomfort and reduced visibility as smoke spread across roads and residential zones. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and an investigation will be carried out after the site is declared safe.
