One Suffers 35% Burns, Six Injured After Explosion at MRPL Refinery in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: An explosion at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) refinery in Mangaluru left one employee with approximately 35% burn injuries, while six other people sustained minor injuries, according to officials.

The incident occurred in the refinery's CHT (Hydro Sulphur Treatment) Unit and was followed by a major fire. Firefighting teams brought the blaze under control, while cooling operations continued in the affected area.

Employee Sustains 35% Burns

Rajesh Baptist, an MRPL employee who suffered approximately 35% burns, was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors treating him said that he was out of danger.

Six other people who were present in an adjacent office suffered minor injuries. They were treated on an outpatient basis.

Cold Separator Rupture Triggered Fire

According to MRPL officials, the incident occurred after a cold separator operating at around 70 bar in the Coker Hydrotreater unit ruptured. Following the rupture, the battery limit of the affected unit was immediately isolated and firefighting operations were launched. The unit was evacuated as emergency teams worked to bring the situation under control.

Officials said the fire was brought under control, although cooling operations were expected to continue for some time.

Explosion Heard Across Nearby Areas

The explosion caused panic in several localities surrounding the refinery.

Residents of Katipalla, Kana, Bajpe, Angaragundi, Kulai and Jokatte, among other nearby areas, reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke rising from the refinery. Some residents also reported that window panes were damaged at a few locations following the blast.

Emergency Response

Fire tenders from the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and Fire and Emergency Services were deployed to the refinery following the incident. Emergency teams worked to contain the fire and secure the affected area.

Following advice from the Dakshina Kannada district administration, Mangaluru International Airport also conducted a visual inspection of vital installations, including its Precision Approach Lighting Category-I system and peripheral roads, to ensure that airport operations remained ready.

Investigation Underway

Authorities said there was no immediate cause for major concern after the fire was brought under control.

The exact reason behind the cold separator rupture is yet to be established. A detailed investigation is expected to determine what caused the equipment failure and led to the subsequent fire.

Cooling and safety operations at the affected unit are expected to continue as authorities assess the situation.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: MRPL refinery, Mangaluru
• Affected area: CHT / Coker Hydrotreater Unit
• Reported cause: Rupture of a cold separator operating at around 70 bar
• Seriously injured: 1 employee with approximately 35% burns
• Other injuries: 6 people with minor injuries
• Fire status: Brought under control
• Current response: Cooling, safety operations and investigation
• Airport: Mangaluru International Airport conducted precautionary visual inspections

Note: This article is based on the information provided in the incident report. The exact cause of the equipment rupture remains subject to the official investigation.