One worker was killed and eight injured after a blast and fire at MRPL’s Hydro Sulphur Treatment unit in Mangaluru on September 30. Officials said the cause is under investigation after a high pressure equipment rupture triggered the fire.
A blast and fire at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on September 30 has killed one worker and injured at least eight others. Karnataka Minister UT Khader visited the facility and said a senior officer has been appointed to investigate the cause. The cause has not been officially established, and the incident has renewed focus on safety at India's refinery and petrochemical plants.
The blast and fire hit the Hydro Sulphur Treatment (CHT) unit at around 12.20 pm. The boom was heard several kilometres away, including in Surathkal, Kulai and the Baikampady industrial belt and rattled windows at Mangaluru International Airport. More than 53 houses have reportedly been affected. Fire teams from MRPL, the New Mangalore Port Authority, Kadri and Pandeshwar rushed to the site.
MRPL's own statement gave a technical account. It described a rupture of the Cold Separator, which operates at high pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater Unit, which led to a fire. The affected unit was isolated, and the fire was brought under control. The deceased from Mulki was working at the plant on a contract basis.
Read more about the explosion here.
Khader called the incident "very sudden and shocking" and said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took immediate note and sought updates. BJP MP Brijesh Chowta offered condolences and promised support for the family of the deceased. Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said one injured worker was taken to Srinivasa Hospital and is out of danger. Reddy mentioned
Eight people were injured after there was a major blast followed by a fire in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. One injured person, identified as Rajesh, was shifted from the plant premises to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment. He is out of danger; CP, DC and CEO are present here.
Shetty said initial findings point to a steamer or pressure equipment failure. That remains an early, unofficial assessment until the appointed officer submits findings. Residents near the refinery and workers' families will be watching for conclusions on equipment integrity, maintenance and emergency preparedness.
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