Massive Explosion at MRPL in Mangaluru: 9 Injured, Houses Shake and Window Panes Shatter in Jokatte

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Mangaluru : A massive explosion accompanied by a fire triggered panic at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) complex on Wednesday afternoon. The blast occurred in the Coker Hydro Treating Unit (CHTU) within the facility, leaving nine workers injured, as confirmed by the Mangaluru Police Commissioner. Reports indicate that a significant number of local workers were present at the third unit where the incident took place.

The intensity of the explosion was so severe that it caused widespread tremors, shaking the Jokatte Grama Panchayat building as well as several residential houses in Kalavaru and Charchigudde areas. Window panes of over ten houses were completely shattered into pieces, doors detached from their frames, and cracks appeared on the walls of a few structures. Following the blast, thick plumes of black smoke engulfed the sky, remaining visible from miles away.

Upon receiving the alert, emergency response teams, fire brigade personnel, and police officials rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations and douse the flames. During the operation, heated arguments broke out between local residents and police officers at the site. The police appealed to the public for cooperation, requesting them not to block the roads as security and emergency protocols were being enforced. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.