Panic gripped the neighbourhood of Ayyankuzhi in Ambalamugal after thick smoke accompanied by a sharp odour engulfed the area and left many dizzy with what residents claimed to be an explosion-like sound that initially triggered fears of a chemical or gas leak on Tuesday (July 8) around 6 p.m.

However, it soon emerged that the underground 220 kv high-tension cables covered by slabs on the BPCL-Kochi Refineries campus had caught fire, the reason for which remains unknown. Many people had to be rushed to hospital after they complained of nausea and dizziness, while some families left on their own before officials started evacuation.

Soon, fire tenders from the Thripunithura fire station and BPCL-KR’s own tenders were pressed into firefighting. However, the smoke and odour continued long after the fire was extinguished. By then, residents of Ayyankuzhi assembled in front of the gate of BPCL-KR and launched a protest against what they alleged as the company’s apathy risking their lives and properties.

Revenue officials led by the Sub Collector and Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) arrived at the spot. They talked to the company authorities and then explained what triggered the fire to the really agitated people.

Revenue officials informed that the company was ready to provide temporary accommodation to the evacuated families for the night and bear the treatment expenses of the hospitalised. People called off their protest after Revenue officials promised that the District Collector would hold discussions with them on Wednesday (July 9).

Around 23 families in the areas have been demanding that their land, around 9.4 acres, be acquired and they be freed of their hardships. Out of the 44 families in the area, only 23 remain now. These families in Ward 16 of Vadavucode-Puthencruz panchayat have remained affected for decades by the alleged pollution caused by plants of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). They had staged a protracted protest demanding acquisition before it was called off after 148 days.