A high-intensity industrial explosion shook the premises of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) near Mangaluru on Wednesday, triggering sudden panic across adjacent neighborhoods and key installations. Emergency responders and local authorities were alerted immediately as loud shockwaves spread throughout the industrial belt.
Impact on Mangaluru International Airport
The blast took place within an operational unit of the MRPL complex, producing shockwaves powerful enough to be felt across several surrounding localities. At the nearby Bajpe area, the administrative office building of Mangaluru International Airport shook under the impact. The window panes of the airport administrative wing rattled violently, creating moments of acute anxiety among airport staff and personnel stationed on site.
Structural Damage in Jokatte Village
Significant reverberations were observed in Jokatte village, situated in close proximity to the refinery compound. The force of the explosion shattered glass panes on doors and windows across several private residences as well as the local Jokatte Gram Panchayat office. Thick plumes of dark smoke billowed high into the atmosphere directly from the refinery unit, remaining visible from multiple kilometers away.
Injury Toll and Medical Status
According to local police authorities, eight individuals sustained injuries as a direct result of the incident. An MRPL official stated that one contract laborer suffered 35 percent burn injuries and was provided medical attention. The remaining seven injured persons sustained comparatively minor injuries, while plant officials assessed damage across the affected installation.
