MRPL refinery explosion and fire in Mangaluru injures seven

An explosion and subsequent fire occurred at the Coker Hydrotreater Unit (CHT) of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) near Mangaluru on Wednesday. The incident was triggered by the rupture of a cold separator operating at approximately 70 bar of high pressure.

One employee sustained roughly 35% burn injuries and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Srinivas Hospital; medical staff report the individual is out of danger. Six other personnel sustained minor injuries and received outpatient treatment.

Following the blast, the affected unit was evacuated and isolated. Firefighting teams from MRPL and the New Mangalore Port Authority were deployed to control the blaze. While the fire was brought under control, cooling operations were expected to continue for a period.

The explosion caused a loud blast and thick black smoke, leading to panic in surrounding localities such as Katipalla, Bajpe, and Jokatte. While some residents reported shattered window panes, MRPL stated there was no damage to the infrastructure at Mangaluru International Airport, though the airport conducted visual inspections of its installations following advice from district administration.