Mangaluru, September 30 (TNA) A loud explosion at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district triggered a fire and sent thick black smoke into the sky on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12:30 pm at the refinery’s Coker Hydrotreater unit after a high-pressure cold separator reportedly ruptured, according to MRPL. The company’s fire and emergency-response teams brought the blaze under control.
The blast was heard several kilometres away and caused panic in nearby localities, including Jokatte, Bajpe, Kalavaru, Baikampady, Surathkal and Katipalla. Residents reported tremor-like sensations, saying houses and buildings shook after the explosion. Windowpanes and door glass in several homes and other structures, including the Jokatte Gram Panchayat building, were reportedly shattered. Damage to windows was also reported at an administrative office near Mangaluru International Airport.
At least eight people were injured in the incident, according to preliminary reports. The injured were taken for medical treatment, though details about their condition were not immediately available.
Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the refinery after the blast. Thick smoke from the facility was visible from distant parts of the city, leading to concern among residents in areas surrounding the industrial complex.
Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the explosion and are assessing the extent of damage inside and outside the refinery premises.