Blast, fire reported at MRPL complex in Mangaluru: details awaited

Mangaluru: A loud explosion followed by a thick plume of smoke was reported from the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) complex here on Wednesday, triggering concern in nearby localities.

Residents of areas including Jokatte and Bajpe said the sound of the explosion was heard several kilometres away. There were also unverified reports of damage to window panes and doors in some nearby buildings.

Unofficial accounts circulating locally suggested that the incident occurred in a reactor in the Continuous Stirred Tank (CST) unit in MRPL’s Phase-III complex. The information could not be independently verified.

Videos and accounts shared by local residents showed thick smoke rising from the refinery complex. There were also unconfirmed reports of minor injuries and damage to a structure near the plant.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta said he had spoken to officials concerned and was in contact with MRPL authorities, the Mangaluru Police Commissioner, Bajpe Town Panchayat and the fire department.

He said the situation was being closely monitored and that instructions had been issued to bring it under control and undertake safety measures. Hospitals in the area had also been asked to remain prepared to deal with any emergency, he said.

Chowta appealed to people to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information. He cancelled his scheduled public programmes in Beltangady and said he was proceeding to the site to assess the situation.

At the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from MRPL or the district administration on the cause of the incident, the extent of damage or casualties.

MRPL, a subsidiary of state-owned ONGC, operates a 15 million tonne per annum refinery at Mangaluru along with integrated petrochemical facilities.

The company’s Phase-III complex includes a polypropylene plant and other associated petrochemical facilities.

Further details were awaited.