Kochi: A fire broke out at the Hindustan Organic Chemicals (HOC) facility in Ambalamugal, Kochi, on Tuesday.

Five workers were hospitalised after inhaling smoke. The authorities evacuated more than 30 families from the surrounding area as a precaution.

Local residents reported hearing an explosion around 5:30 p.m., followed by thick smoke spreading across the area.

Several people complained of discomfort due to smoke inhalation. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have originated from a high-tension line of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

Fire and rescue services, along with the police, rushed to the site and began firefighting operations.

Residents staged a protest by blocking the road, raising concerns over safety lapses.

Many claimed they heard a loud explosion from the direction of the refinery. However, officials have confirmed that there was no gas leak associated with the incident.