Mangaluru: One person died and another sustained burn injuries after a fire broke out at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility around 12.20 pm on Wednesday.
MRPL said the fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 2.47 pm.
The incident occurred following the rupture of a Cold Separator operating at high pressure in the Coker Hydrotreater Unit, resulting in a fire around noon, according to the company.
Fire breaks out in Coker Hydrotreater Unit
According to MRPL, the rupture of the high-pressure Cold Separator triggered the fire at the affected unit.
Immediately after the incident, the battery limits of the unit were isolated as part of the emergency response measures. MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the facility.
The firefighting operation continued for more than two hours before the fire was completely extinguished at 2.47 pm.
The company said emergency teams remained engaged in operations at the affected site following the extinguishing of the fire.
Body recovered during inspection
After the fire was brought under control, MRPL personnel carried out combing and inspection operations at the affected site.
During the subsequent inspection, the body of one deceased person was found.
Another person sustained burn injuries in the incident and was shifted to a hospital for treatment. MRPL said the injured person is receiving necessary medical care.
The company has not yet released further details regarding the identities of the deceased and injured persons.
Emergency teams deployed
MRPL’s emergency response and firefighting teams responded to the incident immediately after the fire was reported.
The isolation of the affected unit’s battery limits was undertaken to contain the incident and reduce the possibility of the fire affecting adjoining facilities.
Firefighting teams then worked to bring the blaze under control. MRPL confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished by 2.47 pm.
The company subsequently began combing and inspection activities at the affected location to assess the site and check for any persons who may have remained in the area.
It was during these operations that the deceased person was found.
Further information awaited
The incident has resulted in one fatality and one injury, with the injured person continuing to receive treatment at a hospital.
MRPL said further verified information would be shared as and when it becomes available.
Details regarding the circumstances leading to the Cold Separator rupture, the identities of those affected and the extent of damage to the unit are expected to emerge as assessment and investigation of the incident progress.
The immediate response focused on isolating the affected unit, deploying emergency and firefighting teams and extinguishing the fire. With the blaze brought under control, attention has now shifted to the inspection of the affected site and further assessment of the incident.