Mangaluru MRPL explosion: One dead, eight injured; probe ordered
A major blast at the MRPL facility in Mangaluru has left one worker dead and eight others injured. A high-level probe has been ordered.
A tragic industrial accident occurred at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one worker and leaving eight others injured. The incident, which involved a massive blast followed by a fire, has sent shockwaves through the industrial hub of Mangaluru.
The Incident at the Hydro Sulphur Treatment Unit
According to Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, the disaster originated in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. A major explosion ripped through the unit, immediately triggering a fire that required emergency teams to rush to the site to bring the situation under control.
The casualties include:
- Manish Karkara: A young worker who tragically lost his life at the site.
- Rajesh: An injured worker who was rushed from the plant to Srinivasa Hospital; he is currently reported to be out of danger.
- Eight others: Various workers sustained injuries during the blast, with some receiving medical attention before being discharged.
Government Response and High-Level Inquiry
Karnataka Minister UT Khader visited the site to assess the damage and interact with those affected. Describing the explosion as "very sudden and shocking," Khader noted that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had been briefed immediately and is closely monitoring the situation.
To ensure accountability and uncover the root cause of the catastrophe, the state government has taken the following steps:
- Appointment of a Senior Officer: A high-ranking official has been tasked with conducting a formal inquiry into the explosion.
- On-site Assessment: Minister Khader and local administration officials have conducted a preliminary inspection to understand the scale of the damage.
"The unexpected incident that has taken place at Mangalore Petrochemical and Refinery Limited (MRPL) is very sudden and shocking. We have lost one of our brothers who was working there, and eight others have been injured," said Minister UT Khader.
Local Leadership Condemns Tragedy
BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, who has been in constant communication with the Mangaluru City Police, fire department, and MRPL officials, expressed his grief over the loss of life. Chowta confirmed that while the fire has been successfully doused, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family.
"I stand with the family of the person who lost his life. We will try to provide all sorts of support for the family," Chowta stated, while confirming that several workers with minor injuries have already returned home after receiving initial treatment.