Fire breaks out at oil company in Edayar; one killed

A huge fire erupted at the Cee Jee Lubricants facility in the Edayar industrial area of Kochi earlier today, claiming the life of one person. The blaze broke out at approximately 8:30 AM at the oil company, quickly escalating due to the flammable nature of the inventory.

According to officials from the Fire and Rescue Services in Eloor, multiple fire tenders were dispatched immediately after a distress call was received. While the team managed to bring the inferno under control, the facility's primary oil tank was completely destroyed.

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Police have stated that the deceased is suspected to be a factory employee, though formal identification is pending. A worker originally from Bihar has been reported missing, and authorities believe the recovered body—which was found charred—may be his. A forensic investigation is required to confirm the identity.

Several other employees managed to escape the building as the fire took hold, suffering only minor injuries. They received medical treatment at the scene.

"Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated near an oil tank before engulfing other sections of the factory," an official remarked. While a definitive cause has not yet been established, investigators suspect an electrical short circuit may be to blame.

Local police have launched a formal inquiry into the incident.