A powerful explosion occurred at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) plant on Wednesday afternoon, with a loud bang that sent shock waves around the area and triggered a massive panic wave among nearby residents.
Earlier reporting noted: MRPL officials confirmed that the incident occurred within the refinery premises.
He said the local hospitals were put on alert mode for any emergency admissions that may be arriving. Residents of Jokatte and Surathkal said their houses shook, with doors and windows vibrating following the explosion. The explosion impact was experienced several kilometers from the point of origin, causing window panes at the Mangaluru airport administration building to rattle. The explosion caused vibrations in houses in Jokatte and Surathkal areas, shaking the buildings’ doors and windows. Several fire tenders were dispatched from all parts of Mangaluru to the site, along with ambulances leaving the premises. As per safety instructions issued by the district administration, a visual inspection of the airport’s important facilities including the peripheral roads and lighting arrangements was undertaken by airport officials. The Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta stated that he remains in continuous touch with the police commissioner, MRPL management, and the concerned departments. MP Chowta canceled scheduled public engagements in Belthangady to visit the accident site directly. Officials urged local residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors, and cooperate fully with district administration directives. Additional fire tenders from Mangaluru were sent to the refinery to assist in the response. A few ambulances were also seen leaving the premises. Further details on the nature of the incident and whether there were any casualties were awaited.
Earlier reporting noted: The blast was reportedly heard at Mangaluru airport, where windows of the administrative office rattled. Earlier reporting noted: Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the MRPL premises as fire and emergency teams rushed to the site.
