A view of the MRPL premises after the explosion from the exit point of Mangaluru International Airport.

A blast was reported at the coker hydro treating unit (CHTU) of MRPL (Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd) in Mangaluru at around 12.15 pm on Wednesday. Eight injuries were reported in the incident.

Sudhir Kumar Reddy, Commissioner of Police of Mangaluru, said the fire is under control now and there is no need to panic on this matter.

Eight persons were injured in this incident, and one of them sustained burn injuries (35 per cent). He has been shifted to a hospital for treatment. A doctor said he is out of danger now. Others with minor injuries have received outpatient treatment.

Meanwhile, a press statement by MRPL said that an incident involving rupture of the ‘Cold Separator’ operating at high pressure in the CHTU occurred at MRPL, resulting in a fire around 12.15 pm on Wednesday.

The battery limits of the affected unit have been isolated., MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams controlled and doused the fire. Fire has been brought under control.

The situation is being closely monitored, with safety of personnel and the facility being accorded the highest priority. The firefighting operation may continue for some time as part of the safe handling of the incident.

A spokesperson of MRPL said that the fire was put off at 2.47 pm on Wednesday, and there is no impact on operations at MRPL.

Earlier in the day, thick black smoke was seen rising from the MRPL premises following the incident.

Fire engines from New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and the Department of Fire Services in Mangaluru were to the spot.

People in the surrounding villages said they felt the impact of the blast, with windows in their houses rattling. A similar experience was reported at the Mangaluru International Airport.

On the advice of the Dakshina Kannada district administration, the airport is conducting a visual inspection of all vital installations in and around the airport, including the Precision Approach Lighting Category 1 systems and peripheral roads, for their operational readiness. An airport spokesperson said that there is no damage to infratructure at Mangaluru airport.

(This is a developing story)

Published on September 30, 2026