Alappuzha, Mar 9 : A massive fire engulfed a plywood manufacturing company near Malabar Cement Factory at Pallipuram in Cherthalai of this district in Kerala on Wednesday. According to the locals, “the blaze broke out during a lightning storm at 0330 hrs. There was a very loud sound, the fire was huge and flames were shooting into the sky ” At least 12 fire tenders from Alappuzha and Kochi are still battling to bring the blaze under control. The scenes of huge flames with thick smoke coming out from the roof of the company caused panic among the locals. The exact reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. DS ACL0830