A high pressure separator at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) refinery in Mangaluru ruptured on Wednesday, triggering an explosion and fire that killed a contract worker, left another with serious burns and injured 11 others, according to MRPL.
High-pressure separator ruptures at MRPL refinery
The explosion took place at about 12.20 pm at the refinery’s Coker Hydro Treating Unit. The Cold Separator was operating at about 70 bar pressure when it ruptured, triggering the fire. MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams isolated the affected unit and brought the blaze under control.
The deceased was identified as Manish Karkada, 23, a contract worker from Mulki. Dr Rudolph VJ Noronha, chief general manager, corporate branding and corporate communications, MRPL, said Karkera was reported missing after the explosion and his body was found several hours later.
“He was missing after the blast, and his charred body was found hours after the explosion,” Noronha said.
Rajesh Baptist, another worker, suffered burns over about 35% of his body and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Kankanady. “Doctors said he is out of danger,” Noronha said.
Eleven workers treated for minor injuries
{{/usCountry}}Eleven workers treated for minor injuries
{{/usCountry}}Eleven people working in an adjacent office suffered minor injuries and were treated on an outpatient basis, he said.
“The battery limits of the affected unit have been isolated, and MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams are actively engaged in controlling and dousing the fire. The fire has been brought under control,” Noronha said.
Fire tenders from the Fire and Emergency Services and the New Mangalore Port Authority were sent to the refinery.
Cooling and firefighting operations continued after the main blaze was brought under control as part of efforts to make the affected unit safe.
The blast was heard across several areas around the refinery. Residents reported a deafening sound followed by thick black smoke. Some residents said windows and gates of nearby houses were damaged by the force of the blast.
The explosion was also heard in areas around Mangaluru International Airport. The airport carried out visual checks of critical infrastructure, including peripheral roads and its Precision Approach Lighting Category I system, after the district administration advised the inspection. Airport operations continued normally.
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Karnataka CM seeks report on explosion
Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar said he had instructed officials to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and submit a report.
“I hope all the injured recover soon. The safety of people and workers is a major priority of our government,” Shivakumar said.
Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan HV, police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and zilla panchayat chief executive officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari visited the refinery to assess the situation and oversee the response.
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Officials said there was no immediate cause for major concern outside the affected unit. An investigation is underway to determine the precise reason for the separator rupture.
Videos showing flames and thick smoke rising from the refinery circulated widely after the explosion.