Blast inside Mangaluru refinery: Loud explosion sound, dense smoke reported

A loud explosion-like sound was reported from the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd premises on Wednesday.

MANGALURU: An explosion at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) refinery premises on Wednesday sent a loud boom across several kilometres, with thick black smoke billowing from the plant and triggering panic in surrounding areas.The blast was reportedly heard at Mangaluru airport, where windows of the administrative office rattled. Residents of Jokatte and Surathkal said their houses shook, with doors and windows vibrating following the explosion.Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the MRPL premises as fire and emergency teams rushed to the site. Additional fire tenders from Mangaluru were sent to the refinery to assist in the response. A few ambulances were also seen leaving the premises.MRPL officials confirmed that the incident occurred within the refinery premises. Further details on the nature of the incident and whether there were any casualties were awaited.On the advice of the district administration, Mangaluru airport is conducting a visual inspection of vital installations in and around the airport, including the Precision Approach Lighting Category I systems and peripheral roads, to check their operational readiness.Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said he had obtained information from the authorities regarding the explosion and was in constant touch with MRPL officials, the police commissioner, Bajpe Town Panchayat and the Fire and Emergency Services Department.“The situation following the explosion is being closely monitored, and instructions have been issued to bring the situation fully under control and expedite safety and response operations,” Chowta said.As a precautionary measure, local hospitals have been instructed to remain prepared with necessary arrangements to deal with any emergency.Chowta said he had cancelled his pre-scheduled public programmes in Belthangady and was proceeding to the spot to assess the situation. He appealed to people to remain calm, refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation, and cooperate with the administration.