MRPL Blast: Massive Explosion and Thick Smoke Shake Mangaluru As Refinery Fire Triggers Panic (Videos)
A massive explosion at the MRPL refinery near Jokatte in Mangaluru caused tremor-like sensations, shattered windows, and panic across nearby areas, prompting an emergency fire response. Frightened residents rushed out into the streets, and local reports indicated that some structures developed structural cracks.
A massive explosion was reported at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) oil refinery near Jokatte on Wednesday, September 30, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky and causing tremor-like sensations across surrounding residential neighbourhoods. The incident occurred at the facility's third plant area, triggering widespread panic among residents.
While formal assessments are ongoing, the blast's impact was felt miles away, leaving buildings damaged and emergency responders scrambling to the scene. Videos that surfaced online show a large fire and thick smoke emerging from the facility. College Ragging in Mangaluru: 9 Seniors Kidnap 2 Juniors, Strip and Beat Them With Belt, Hanger.
Massive Explosion at MRPL Oil Refinery in Mangaluru
#WATCH | Karnataka | Smoke seen emerging from Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) facility in Mangaluru; Fire brigade vehicles and ambulances rush to the spot pic.twitter.com/7qT52ysRp2
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2026
Videos of the Blast at MRPL Oil Refinery Surface
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
Smoke Seen at Mangaluru's MRPL Oil Refinery
#Mangaluru: Thick smoke billowing from MRPL unit following an explosion. The impact was such that window panes, several kms away, shattered. The cause of the explosion is being ascertained.
Hospitals have been put on high alert.@timesofindia pic.twitter.com/kXwLsFTXe1
— TOI Bengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) September 30, 2026
Impact on Neighbouring Localities and Infrastructure
Residents in nearby areas - including Bajpe, Kalavaru, Baikampady, Jokatte, Surathkal, and Katipalla - reported feeling strong tremor-like sensations as the explosion echoed across the region, reports PTI. The shockwave shattered glass windows and door panes across multiple residential houses and official structures, including the Jokatte Gram Panchayat building. Frightened residents rushed out into the streets, and local reports indicated that some structures developed structural cracks. DYFI leader Muneer Katipalla said that a large number of people have gathered near the panchayat building amid panic.
Emergency Response and On-Ground Status
Following the blast, a large fire and dense black smoke were observed emerging from the refinery complex, visible from distant locations across the city. Fire tenders from Mangaluru, Pandeshwar, and surrounding fire stations were immediately rushed to the facility to combat the fire and secure the plant. Local authorities and emergency response teams are actively managing the site, though official statements from MRPL management regarding the precise cause and casualty details are awaited.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 02:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
