Massive explosion at MRPL in Mangaluru; two in critical condition

MANGALURU: A massive explosion occurred at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) plant in Jokkatte at noon on Wednesday. Eight people were injured in the fire that broke out following the blast; they have been admitted to Srinivasa Hospital, with reports indicating that the condition of two of them is critical. The incident took place around noon today at the refinery's Hydro-Sulphur Treatment Unit.

The explosion was loud enough to be heard for kilometres, and thick black smoke was seen rising from the refinery. Residents reported that houses in the Jokkatte and Surathkal areas shook due to the impact of the blast.

The Fire Force and an emergency team arrived at the scene immediately and commenced rescue operations. City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy stated that the fire has now been brought under control. Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, who visited the site following the incident, urged the public not to panic or spread rumours.