Bengaluru
oi-Prakash KL
A powerful explosion ripped through the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) complex near Jokatte on Wednesday. At least eight people have been injured in the incident that sent shock waves across the region, shattering window panes, and sending a massive plume of thick black smoke into the sky.
The blast, which reportedly occurred in a unit within the refinery’s Phase-III plant, generated tremor-like sensations that rattled homes and public buildings across nearby localities, including Bajpe, Kalavaru, Baikampady, Surathkal, and Katipalla. Shockwaves were felt miles away, with administrative offices at Mangaluru International Airport reporting vibrating doors and window glass, according to a report in the PTI.
At least eight people were injured in a powerful explosion at the MRPL refinery complex near Jokatte on Wednesday, causing shockwaves, shattering windows, and prompting an emergency response and investigation.
In the immediate aftermath, residents in Jokatte fled into open spaces fearing structural collapse. Impact from the blast wave shattered glass doors and windows at the Jokatte Gram Panchayat building and adjacent residences, while minor cracks were reported in several local structures.
Alarmed by the sound, which was heard across distant industrial belts like Baikampad, large crowds gathered near civic buildings as panic spread.
🚨 Big blast in Mangaluru Petro Chemical Ltd. (MRPL) pic.twitter.com/IVeOf68x9H
— Vije (@vijeshetty) September 30, 2026
Firefighting units from Mangaluru, Pandeshwar, and the New Mangalore Port Authority were deployed to assist MRPL’s internal safety crews in containing the blaze. Emergency medical protocols have been activated, with local hospitals placed on high alert.
Early reports indicate one contract worker sustained burn injuries and was transported for medical care.
Thick black smoke billowing from #MRPL in #Mangaluru following a massive blast. The explosion was heard several kilometres away, while window panes were reportedly shattered, including at the Mangaluru Airport office. More details awaited @XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/JhXRiF0vGh
— vincent dsouza (@vinndz_TNIE) September 30, 2026
Senior administrative and law enforcement leadership including the City Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Zilla Panchayat CEO arrived at the scene to oversee operations.
Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta cancelled scheduled public programs to assess the disaster zone directly.”I have obtained information from concerned authorities and remain in constant touch with MRPL executives, police officials, and emergency services,” Chowta said in a statement, appealing to citizens to maintain calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors, and cooperate with first responders.
Mangaluru, Karnataka: A massive explosion occurred at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) premises. The blast shook nearby buildings and houses, while thick black smoke was seen rising from the refinery unit. pic.twitter.com/Ne3up2L7KE
— IANS (@ians_india) September 30, 2026
Investigations into the root cause of the explosion are ongoing. Further official updates from MRPL management and local authorities are awaited.
Speaking to the IANS, resident Mukesh said, “The MRPL plant is located next to our house. The blast occurred around 12:30 p.m. The sound of the blast was very loud, and our house windows and walls were damaged. The glass panes in the surrounding area were also broken…”
