A loud explosion was reported at the premises of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) near Jokatte in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, September 30. One person has been seriously injured.
MRPL PRO Rudolf Noronha told TNM that one person had suffered 35% burn injuries, and that he was out of danger.
“No major injuries have been reported. One minor injury has been reported and shifted to hospital and is out of danger and necessary medical attention is being provided,” an official press release said.
Mangaluru city Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy told media that a person identified as Rajesh Baptist sustained burn injuries to around 35% of his body and was taken to Srinivasa Hospital. He is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU. Six others who sustained minor injuries at an adjacent office were given outpatient treatment and underwent medical checkup, police said.
The explosion was reported at around 12.25 pm, according to reports. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the refinery following the blast, and emergency response teams and fire tenders were rushed to the site.
Noronha said that the fire was brought under control around 2.45pm.
Residents in areas including Jokatte, Kavoor, Yeyyadi, Surathkal, Bajpe, Kalavaru, Baikampady and Katipalla reported hearing a loud boom and feeling the impact of the blast.
The blast was reportedly heard in Mangaluru International Airport, where windows at the administrative office rattled. The airport began checking vital installations and peripheral roads following the incident.
According to a press release, the blast occurred due to a rupture of the Cold Separator operating at high pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater Unit at MRPL, resulting in a fire around noon.
“The battery limits of the affected unit have been isolated, and MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams are actively engaged in controlling and dousing the fire. Fire has been brought under control,” the release said.
Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta said he was in constant touch with MRPL officials, the Police Commissioner and fire and emergency services department officials. He was proceeding to the spot to access the situation.
Chowta appealed to the people to remain calm, refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation and cooperate with the administration, local hospitals were also instructed to remain prepared as a precautionary measure.