Mangaluru: About nine persons were injured after a huge blast followed by fire at the CHT (Hydro Sulphur Treatment) unit of MRPL on Wednesday. The fire has since been brought under control, officials said.
The incident happened around 12.20 pm at the unit located about 15 km from Mangaluru.
The emergency team of MRPL instantly rushed to the spot.
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy mention that one of the injured, Rajesh Baptist, who was working at the plant, sustained burn injuries covering around 35% of his body and was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment. He is undergoing treatment in the ICU and is out of danger, as per doctors.
Officials said that others who were in an adjacent place sustained minor injuries and have been given treatment and medical check-ups.
Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner HV Darshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari and City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy are present at the site and are overseeing the situation.
Officials stated there was no major cause for concern and that require safety measures were being taken.
The sound of the blast was heard numerous kilometres away in Angaragundi, Baikampady industrial area and Kulai. Residents of Kavoor and parts of Mangaluru city also reported hearing the loud sound.
The effect of the blast was felt in nearby areas, with the Jokatte Gram Panchayat building and numerous houses reportedly shaking. Residents stated door and windows were damaged in some houses and also the Jokatte Gram Panchayat library.
Fire engines from the New Mangalore Port Authority, Kadri and Pandeshwar were summoned to the site.
MRPL DPS School has reportedly declared a holiday following the incident.
Details of the cause of the blast and the extent of damage were awaited.
