A major explosion at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Jokatte, Mangaluru, killed one worker and injured nine others on Wednesday. The blast in Unit 3 triggered a massive fire and thick smoke, with tremors felt in nearby villages. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after two hours.
In a major explosion that took place in Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) at Jokatte in Mangaluru on Wednesday afternoon, one worker was killed and nine others sustained injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Manish (30) and the injured are being treated at Srinivasa and MRPL hospitals.
Mangaluru | Eight people were injured after there was a major blast followed by a fire in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. One injured person, identified as Rajesh in the plant premises, was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment. He is out of danger. CP, DC and CEO are present here: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2026
Blast impact across Mangaluru
The magnitude of the blast was so high that the tremors could be felt in the villages around 15 kms away from the site. The houses, schools and places of worship at Jokatte developed cracks, and window panes of several buildings in neighbouring Kavoor, Surathkal and Panambur were shattered.
Thick smoke and huge fire could be seen from kilometres away, when firefighters and ambulances rushed to the MRPL unit. The fire was brought under control after two hours.