Mangaluru: Health Minister U T Khader on Wednesday visited the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility in Mangaluru following an industrial explosion that left one person dead and eight others injured.

Khader described the incident as “very sudden and shocking” and said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had taken immediate note of the incident. The Chief Minister has appointed a senior officer to conduct an inquiry and determine the cause of the explosion.

Khader visits MRPL facility

Khader visited the affected area, interacted with officials and assessed the situation at the refinery. Speaking to reporters after the visit, he said the incident had resulted in the death of a worker and injuries to eight others.

“The unexpected incident that has taken place at Mangalore Petrochemical and Refinery Limited (MRPL) is very sudden and shocking. We have lost one of our brothers who was working there, and eight others have been injured,” Khader said.

He added that he was informed about the incident soon after it occurred and that the Chief Minister had sought an update on the situation.

“As soon as I came to know about this incident, the Chief Minister immediately informed me. I visited the spot, interacted with the people, saw what had happened in the area, and got a clear picture of the situation,” he said.

According to Khader, the Chief Minister subsequently called him again to enquire about the incident and decided to appoint a senior officer to investigate the matter.

“The CM called me again to enquire about the incident. I informed him about the situation, and he has appointed a senior officer to conduct an inquiry and find out the actual cause behind this incident,” Khader said.

One worker killed, eight injured

The blast and subsequent fire occurred at an MRPL processing unit, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the facility.

BJP MP Brijesh Chowta said he had spoken with MRPL officials, the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner, district administration officials and fire department personnel following the incident.

Chowta said the fire had been brought under control and confirmed the death of a worker identified as Manish Karkara. His body was subsequently recovered from the site.

“The fire had been doused, but there was one fatality; a youngster called Manish Karkara suffered fatal injuries, and his body was found at the site,” Chowta said.

He added that around eight people sustained injuries, while others who suffered minor injuries received initial treatment and returned home.

Chowta expressed condolences to the family of Karkara and said efforts would be made to extend support to them.

“At this point of time, I offer my deep condolences to Manish Karkara, who has lost his life today. I stand with the family of the person who lost his life. We will try to provide all sorts of support for the family,” he said.

Police confirm blast and fire

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said eight people were injured in the incident.

According to Reddy, a major blast occurred in the hydro sulphur treatment unit, following which a fire broke out inside the facility.

“Eight people were injured after there was a major blast followed by a fire in the hydro sulphur treatment unit,” Reddy said.

One of the injured persons, identified as Rajesh, was shifted from the plant premises to Srinivasa Hospital for further treatment. The Commissioner said Rajesh was out of danger.

Reddy also said senior officials, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and MRPL chief executive officer, were present at the site as emergency teams worked to bring the situation under control.

Probe to determine cause of explosion

The appointment of a senior officer to investigate the incident is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the blast and identify the cause.

The inquiry will also be significant in assessing the sequence of events inside the affected unit and the safety measures followed at the facility.

The incident has drawn attention to industrial safety at the refinery, particularly following the loss of a worker and injuries to several others. Further details are expected to emerge once the investigation progresses.

Authorities have said the immediate emergency situation has been brought under control, while officials continue to assess the incident and its impact.

The investigation ordered by the State government is expected to provide further clarity on what triggered the explosion and whether any additional safety measures are required at the facility.