Large Fire Burning at Motor Oil Refinery in Corinth (video)

A large fire has broken out at the Motor Oil Refinery plant, located in Agioi Theodoroi, Corinth, a town roughly 70 km from the center of Athens.

Police have suspended traffic in both directions on the old National Highway (Palea Ethniki Odos) starting at the Agioi Theodoroi junction until the Kalamaki toll.

According to initial reports, the fire started inside the facilities, while blasts could be heard from inside the facility. A large, dark plume of smoke covered the skies in the area.

Nine fire engines with 30 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene, while authorities have sent a 112-warning text message to residents to stay alert for further instructions.

According to a post by the Seasonal Firefighters, the situation is currently considered extremely critical.

Based on available information, authorities believe no loaded tanks in the plant seem to be in danger from the blaze at the Moror Oil Refinery plant. However, the extinguishing operation is considered difficult, with the firefighters planning to create a buffer around the perimeter to contain the spread of the flames. The “tower” from which the fire originated has already collapsed, and all valves connecting the tanks and installations have been shut off to isolate the ignition point.