Mangaluru: One contract worker was killed and eight others were injured after a powerful explosion followed by a fire at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility at Jokatte in Mangaluru on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred shortly after noon at the refinery’s Coker Hydrotreater Unit (CHT), where a high-pressure Cold Separator ruptured, triggering the fire. According to MRPL officials, the affected equipment was operating at high pressure.
The explosion was heard several kilometres away and caused thick black smoke to rise from the refinery. According to local sources, the impact of the blast was felt in nearby areas, with windows and doors of some houses damaged and some buildings sustaining structural damage.
Police identified the deceased as 30-year-old Manish Karkera, a contract worker at MRPL. His charred body was recovered during a search operation after the fire was brought under control. One of the injured, Rajesh Baptist, suffered burn injuries and was shifted to Srinivas Hospital for treatment, while the other injured persons were also taken for medical care. Police said one injured person suffered around 35 per cent burns and was being treated in the ICU, while the others sustained minor injuries.
Following the incident, the affected unit was isolated and personnel were evacuated. MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams were deployed, while police, fire services and district administration officials reached the site. The fire was brought under control and cooling operations were subsequently carried out.
Sources said the impact of the explosion was felt in surrounding residential areas, with damage reported to houses and other nearby structures. The exact extent of the damage is being assessed.
The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been officially established. MRPL said the incident occurred after the rupture of a high-pressure Cold Separator in the Coker Hydrotreater Unit, following which the fire broke out. A detailed assessment of the incident and its cause is under way.