Blast at MRPL refinery sends shockwaves across Mangaluru city (Img: X)
Mangalore: An alleged explosion at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) refinery premises in Mangaluru on Wednesday sent a loud boom across several kilometres, triggering panic in nearby areas.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the refinery following the incident, while residents in surrounding areas reported feeling the impact of the blast. The sound was reportedly heard at Mangaluru airport, where windows of an administrative office were said to have rattled.
Residents of Jokatte and Surathkal said their houses shook following the explosion, with doors and windows reportedly vibrating from the force of the blast.
Large plumes of black smoke could be seen rising into the sky from the MRPL premises as emergency and rescue operations got underway.
Mangaluru: 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.#Karnataka #Mangaluru #MRPL pic.twitter.com/XK1kGeYjDO
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) September 30, 2026
Additional fire tenders from Mangaluru were rushed to the refinery to support the emergency response and assist teams already at the site.
MRPL officials confirmed that the incident occurred within the refinery premises. However, further details about what caused the explosion were not immediately available.
The company has not yet provided details on the nature of the incident or confirmed whether anyone was injured.
Emergency teams continued operations at the site as authorities assessed the situation. Details regarding possible casualties and the extent of any damage were awaited.
The incident caused concern in neighbouring areas after the loud blast and the sight of thick black smoke rising from the refinery.
