Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U.T. Khader announced on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has mandated a high-level investigation into the recent blast at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Mangaluru. Addressing journalists near Wenlock Hospital on Wednesday night, Khader confirmed the Chief Minister had already received a detailed briefing regarding the industrial incident. The CM assured that senior officials would be appointed to conduct the comprehensive inquiry, with their names expected to be revealed publicly on Thursday.
The Chief Minister also issued specific instructions to Minister Khader: visit the blast victims, listen attentively to their concerns, and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Responding promptly to this directive, Minister Khader curtailed his ongoing tour and immediately returned to Mangaluru to personally oversee the situation and engage with the affected community.
Khader expressed his disappointment during the briefing, noting that senior MRPL officials had not yet met those directly impacted by the explosion. He underscored the expectation that company representatives should have promptly engaged with the family of the deceased individual and all injured parties. The minister stated his firm intention to discuss this critical matter directly with the MRPL management, urging them to fulfill their responsibilities.
Beyond human casualties, reports of structural damage to nearby residences and places of worship have also surfaced in the aftermath of the explosion. Khader confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner would undertake a thorough assessment to determine the precise extent of this damage. Subsequently, authorities would direct MRPL to provide appropriate compensation for all losses incurred by property owners and institutions.
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đź“° Source: Mangalore Today