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A major blast followed by a fire struck the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, leaving two people seriously injured.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said authorities brought the fire under control.
Rajesh Baptist, who was inside the plant, suffered burns over around 35 per cent of his body and was admitted to the ICU at Srinivasa Hospital. Doctors said he remains out of danger.
Six others sustained minor injuries inside an adjacent office. They received outpatient treatment and underwent medical examinations.
The Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and other senior officials reached the site shortly after the incident.
The blast occurred at the Coker Hydro Treating Unit (CHTU) in MRPL’s Phase-3 plant.
Locals reported hearing a powerful explosion, followed by flames and dense smoke rising above the facility.
The impact was felt in nearby areas, including Jokatte, which is located next to the MRPL premises. The blast reportedly caused vibrations in homes, while doors and windows at the Jokatte Gram Panchayat office and nearby houses rattled. Some glass panes in doors and windows also shattered.
A fire broke out in the boiler section of the unit after the explosion. MRPL’s fire and emergency teams, along with city fire tenders, reached the site and worked to bring the blaze under control.
“There is nothing of major concern. We will take care,” the Police Commissioner said.
Videos showing the incident have surfaced on social media.
Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blast or assess the full extent of the damage. Further details are awaited.
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