Nine injured in blast at Mangalore Refinery's processing unit

An explosion at a key processing unit of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Surathkal, Karnataka, has resulted in injuries to at least nine individuals, authorities said. The blast took place at the Coker Hydro Treating Unit, a critical component of the refinery's operations.

Emergency response teams were mobilized to the site following the incident. Medical teams provided immediate assistance to the injured, who were subsequently transported to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.

MRPL, one of India's major refining facilities, has initiated a preliminary investigation into the cause of the explosion. The company said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to determine what triggered the incident and assess the structural integrity of the affected unit.

The Surathkal refinery is a significant industrial complex in coastal Karnataka, employing thousands of workers. Safety protocols at petrochemical facilities remain under scrutiny following such incidents, with regulatory bodies reviewing operational standards across the sector.

Further updates on the condition of the injured and the investigation findings are awaited.