Blast triggers fire at MRPL refinery in Mangaluru; one critically injured, six hurt

Mangaluru: A blast followed by a fire was reported at the Hydro Sulphur Treatment Unit (CHT) of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) on Wednesday.

The fire has since been brought under control, city police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said.

One person, identified as Rajesh Baptist, sustained burn injuries covering around 35% of his body. He was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment in the ICU. Doctors said he is out of danger.

Six others who suffered minor injuries at an adjacent office were given outpatient treatment and underwent medical examinations, police said.

The city police commissioner, deputy commissioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO were present at the site. Police said there was no major cause for concern and that necessary precautionary measures were being taken.

MRPL also confirmed that there were no casualties in the incident and appealed to people not to panic.

The blast produced a loud boom that was heard several kilometres away, while thick black smoke was seen billowing from the refinery premises. Residents of Jokatte and Surathkal said their houses shook and doors and windows vibrated following the explosion.