Karnataka: Eight Injured In Blast, Fire At MRPL Facility In Mangaluru

A major blast followed by a fire broke out at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, triggering panic among employees and residents in nearby areas.

The explosion occurred in the hydro sulphur treatment unit of the refinery, according to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy. He said at least eight people were injured in the incident. One of the injured, identified as Rajesh, was shifted from the plant premises to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment and was reported to be out of danger.

The incident prompted senior district officials, including the Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and the company’s CEO, to reach the site and take stock of the situation. Thick smoke was seen rising from the refinery premises following the blast and fire.

BJP MLA Bharath Shetty said initial information indicated that the explosion may have been caused by a steamer or pressure-related equipment inside the facility. He stressed that there had been no fatalities reported so far.

According to Shetty, around nine people suffered minor injuries, while one person sustained burn injuries involving about 30 per cent of the body and was admitted to hospital. He said many of the minor injuries were caused not directly by the explosion but by the impact of the shockwave.

A building located opposite the blast site reportedly suffered damage when its false ceiling and glass windows collapsed, injuring people who were inside. The powerful blast and its sound were felt several kilometres from the refinery.

Residents of neighbouring villages and panchayats also reported damage following the explosion. Complaints included broken windowpanes and damaged roof tiles in houses in surrounding areas. Some schools were also reported to have developed cracks in their buildings after the blast.

Authorities are assessing the situation at the refinery and the extent of the damage in surrounding areas. The exact cause of the blast has not yet been officially established, with initial statements pointing only to possible involvement of pressure or steam equipment. Further details are expected as officials continue their assessment.