A major blast at Coker hydrotreater unit (CHT unit) followed by a fire was reported at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) premises on the outskirts of Mangaluru on Tuesday. Commissioner of Police Su…

A major blast at Coker hydrotreater unit (CHT unit) followed by a fire was reported at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) premises on the outskirts of Mangaluru on Tuesday. Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said that fire is under control.Eight persons suffered injuries. Rajesh Baptist sustained 35% burn injuries and has been shifted to Srinivasa hospital for treatment. Doctor said he is out of danger and is undergoing treatment in ICU.Another 6 persons suffered minor injuries in the adjacent office of the plant and were taken to OPD for treatment and checkup, said the commissioner. The blast triggered panic among residents in Jokatte and surrounding areas.  Fear has gripped the residents in Jokatte and surrounding areas following the sound of the blast.A loud blast was reported at MRPL’s third-phase facility in Kalavar, around 15 km from Mangaluru, on Wednesday afternoon.Fire and thick black smoke were seen rising from the premises around 12.25 pm, triggering panic in nearby areas.MRPL’s emergency response team has rushed… pic.twitter.com/AIaPfdM6U4— Deccan Herald (@DeccanHerald) September 30, 2026

The impact of the blast was reportedly felt at the Jokatte gram panchayat building and nearby houses. Residents said doors and windows were shaken and some were reportedly dislodged. Thick smoke was also seen rising into the sky from the area. Fire tenders from the Pandeshwar and Kadri fire stations, along with a fire vehicle from New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), rushed to the spot following the incident.According to local residents, the sound of the blast was heard as far as Angaragundi, the Baikampady industrial area and Kulai.  Sources said on advise from district administration, Mangaluru International Airport is conducting a visual inspection of all vital installations in and around the airport, including the Precision Approach Lighting Category 1 systems, peripheral roads for their operational readiness.Senior officials, including the City Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and ZP CEO have visited the spot. Officials said there was no major cause for concern and that the situation was under control.Following the incident, DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said  “Following the blast reported at theMRPL  facility, I have obtained information about the incident from the concerned authorities and was in constant touch with MRPL officials, the police commissioner, Bajpe Town Panchayat and the Fire and Emergency Services Department.” An explosion has been reported at @Ongc_Mrpl. Regarding this, I have spoken to MRPL officials, the Police Commissioner, District Administration, representatives of Bajpe Town Panchayat about the same.I have suspended all programmes scheduled in Belthangady today and am… pic.twitter.com/qpepF9A9YX— Captain Brijesh Chowta ಕ್ಯಾಪ್ಟನ್ ಬ್ರಿಜೇಶ್ ಚೌಟ (@CaptBrijesh) September 30, 2026

He said the situation following the blast was being closely monitored and instructions had been issued to bring the situation under complete control and expedite safety operations at the site.  As a precautionary measure, local hospitals have also been instructed to remain prepared to deal with any emergency and make necessary arrangements, he said.Stating that all necessary safety measures were being taken, he appealed to the public not to panic.  He said he had cancelled all his pre-scheduled public programmes in Belthangady on Tuesday and was proceeding to the incident site to personally assess the situation.The MP  also appealed to people to remain calm, refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information, and extend full cooperation to the administration

Source: Deccan Herald