Blast and fire at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) in Mangaluru leaves one dead, nine injured
A major blast followed by a fire at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) in Karnataka's Mangaluru on September 30 left one electrician dead and nine workers injured. The explosion at the hydro-treating unit shattered windows and damaged a church about 2 km away; the blaze has been brought under control.
Mangaluru, September 30 (IANS): A major blast, followed by a fire, was reported at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) in Karnataka's Mangaluru on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and nine others injured. The blaze has now been brought under control.
Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. told the media that one person was killed and nine labourers were injured in the incident. The deceased has been identified as Manish, 30, a resident of Haleyangadi on the outskirts of Mangaluru who was working as an electrician at the MRPL plant.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a major explosion occurred at MRPL's hydro-treating unit at around 12.15 p.m. on Wednesday while testing was being carried out. A major tragedy was averted as workers had left the unit following a shift change at 11.30 a.m.
The powerful explosion caused houses in some areas around Panambur, Kavoor, Surathkal and Jokatte to shake, while glass panes were broken at some places and a church located about 2 km from MRPL was damaged.