CHENNAI: Air quality in and around Tiruvallur dipped sharply on Sunday morning after a massive fire broke out on a diesel-laden goods train, raising serious environmental concerns.

According to live data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 68 at 10:30 am on Sunday, falling under the 'Poor' category.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has warned that the burning of petroleum products has led to a surge in particulate matter in the air. This has caused the air quality to worsen from moderate to poor within a short span of time, said a Daily Thanthi report.

Visuals from the World Air Quality Index platform show a clear spike in pollution levels, peaking on Sunday morning.