Mangaluru: Eight persons suffered injuries after a major blast at the Coker Hydrotreater unit (CHT unit) at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) on the outskirts of Mangaluru on Wednesday.
The explosion was followed by a major fire. The intensity of the explosion was such that it could be felt miles away, locals said.
Of the eight injured, one person, identified as Rajesh Baptist sustained 35% burns and has been shifted to Srinivasa hospital for treatment. Doctors have said that his condition is stable and he is undergoing treatment in ICU.
Six other persons suffered minor injuries in the adjacent office of the plant and were taken to outpatient department(OPD) for treatment and checkup, said the commissioner, police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said, as reported by Deccan Herald.
The fire has been brought under control, he said, urging people not to panic. However, panic had already spread among residents in Jokatte and surrounding areas after the blast.
It was reported that the impact of the blast was felt at the Jokatte gram panchayat building and nearby houses. Residents said doors and windows were shaken and some were reportedly dislodged. Thick smoke was also seen rising into the sky.
The fire was brought under control by tenders from the Pandeshwar and Kadri fire stations, along with a vehicle from New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA).
The sound of the blast was heard as far as Angaragundi, the Baikampady industrial area and Kulai, locals said.
On advise from the district administration, the Mangaluru International Airport is conducting a visual inspection of all vital installations, including the Precision Approach Lighting Category 1 systems and peripheral roads for their operational readiness, sources said.
Senior officials said there was no major cause for concern and that the situation was under control.
“Following the blast reported at the MRPL facility, I have obtained information about the incident from the concerned authorities and was in constant touch with MRPL officials, the police commissioner, Bajpe Town Panchayat and the Fire and Emergency Services Department,” DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said.
The situation following the blast was being closely monitored and instructions had been issued to bring the situation under complete control and expedite safety operations at the site, he said. Local hospitals have also been instructed to remain prepared to deal with any emergency and make necessary arrangements, he said.