One person died, and eight others were injured after a major explosion and fire at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka. The blast occurred in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. Emergency teams reached the site and brought the situation under control.

Karnataka Minister UT Khader visited the MRPL facility on Wednesday and reviewed the situation. He said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had taken immediate note of the incident and sought updates. Khader also said the Chief Minister had appointed a senior officer to investigate the incident and determine its actual cause.

"The unexpected incident that has taken place at Mangalore Petrochemical and Refinery Limited (MRPL) is very sudden and shocking. We have lost one of our brothers who was working there, and eight others have been injured. As soon as I came to know about this incident, the Chief Minister immediately informed me. I visited the spot, interacted with the people, saw what had happened in the area, and got a clear picture of the situation," he told reporters.

"The CM called me again to enquire about the incident. I informed him about the situation, and he has appointed a senior officer to conduct an inquiry and find out the actual cause behind this incident," Khader added.

BJP MP Brijesh Chowta said he spoke to MRPL officials, the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner, district administration officials and fire department personnel after the incident. He said the fire had been doused and confirmed one fatality at the site.

"The fire had been doused, but there was one fatality; a youngster called Manish Karkara suffered fatal injuries, and his body was found at the site. Around eight of them were injured while the rest of them suffered minor injuries, were given initial treatment, and have gone back to their homes." Chowta said.

"At this point of time, I offer my deep condolences to Manish Karkara, who has lost his life today. I stand with the family of the person who lost his life. We will try to provide all sorts of support for the family," he said.

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said eight people sustained injuries after the blast in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. The explosion led to fire. One of the injured, identified as Rajesh, was shifted from the plant premises to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment.

"Eight people were injured after there was a major blast followed by a fire in the hydro sulphur treatment unit. One injured person, identified as Rajesh, was shifted from the plant premises to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment. He is out of danger; CP, DC and CEO are present here," Police Commissioner Reddy stated.