Story perspectives

Blast at MRPL kills worker, injures nine others

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 4:56 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mangalore Refinery Blast

A blast at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd killed contract worker Manish Karkara and injured nine others.
The explosion originated from a cold separator rupturing at roughly 70 bar pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater unit.
Rajesh Baptist suffered about 35% burns and was treated in the ICU at Srinivasa Hospital.
Firefighters from New Mangalore Port Authority and Karnataka emergency services contained the fire by early afternoon.

Summary

MRPL Shares Plummet

MRPL shares fell about 10% intraday, reaching Rs 162.40 after the blast.
Glass windows at Mangaluru International Airport’s administrative office rattled and were inspected after the explosion.
Ward member Parvez Ali urged village evacuation and called for MRPL’s shutdown.
Residents reported shattered windows, broken doors and cracked walls in neighborhoods near the plant.
A large crowd gathered at Jokatte Gram Panchayat office, expressing fear and confusion after the blast.

Summary

MRPL Ensures Safety

MRPL isolated the Cold Separator’s battery limits immediately after the rupture.
The company said firefighting may continue for some time to ensure safe handling.
MRPL assured there is “absolutely no reason to panic” for anyone inside or outside.
It pledged to release verified updates and emphasized personnel safety as top priority.
MRPL’s shares closed at Rs 169.25, down 1.43% from the previous close.

History

Historical Context

The March 23 2005 Texas City refinery explosion killed 15 workers, injured 180, and triggered an $87 million OSHA fine against BP, prompting the adoption of stricter Process Safety Management regulations. BP’s subsequent safety violations and record fines underscored systemic risks, shaping today’s global push for tighter refinery oversight and preventive standards, including emergency response reforms.

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Mangalore Refinery Blast

A blast at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd killed contract worker Manish Karkara and injured nine others.
The explosion originated from a cold separator rupturing at roughly 70 bar pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater unit.
Rajesh Baptist suffered about 35% burns and was treated in the ICU at Srinivasa Hospital.
Firefighters from New Mangalore Port Authority and Karnataka emergency services contained the fire by early afternoon.

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