A thick plume of smoke seen emanating from the MRPL premises following a blast, as observed from the Mangaluru Airport exit point on September 30, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
One person died, another sustained burn injuries and eight persons suffered minor injuries following a blast in the Coker Hydrotreater Unit at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) on September 30, 2026. A loud explosion was heard from the premises around forenoon, following which fire broke out and thick smoke was seen emanating from the refinery. Window panes of nearby buildings shattered owing to the impact of the blast.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy gave the name of the deceased as Manish Karkera (30) of Mulky who was working on contract basis. “His body was found in a charred condition,” the Commissioner said.
Fire tenders from New Mangalore Port Authority and fire and emergency services were rushed to the spot to assist MRPL firefighters. It was subsequently brought under control. As of 2.47 p.m., the fire has been put off, MRPL said.
Another injured, identfied as Rajesh Baptist, sustained 35% burn injuries and was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment. According to the doctors, he is out of danger and being treated in the ICU. Eight others, working in an office adjacent to the unit, sustained minor injuries. They have been treated by the OPD.
“The blast occurred at the hydro sulphur treatment unit of MRPL. The blaze has been brought under control now,” the Mangaluru Police Commissioner said in a statement.
Impact of blast
Buildings in and around Jokatte, including the gram panchayat building, witnessed tremors even as window panes of these buildings shattered because of the blast.
An official from Mangaluru International Airport said the blast was heard at the airport, too. Window panes of the administrative office rattled. However, the spokesperson reiterated that while the airport did feel the impact of the blast, there was no damage to infrastructure and glass panes.
People in Angaragundi, Baikampady, Kulai and surrounding areas too experienced the loud sound and tremors, residents said.
MRPL issues statement
“An incident involving rupture of the Cold Separator operating at high pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater (CHT) Unit occurred at MRPL, resulting in a fire around noon today. 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 firefighting operation may continue for some time as part of the safe handling of the incident.,” MPRL said in a statement.
“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. The situation is being closely monitored, with safety of personnel and the facility being accorded the highest priority,” the statement said, adding that there was no reason for individuals within and outside MRPL premises to panic.
Published – September 30, 2026 01:21 pm IST
