Surathkal, Mangaluru: The coastal community gathered on Sunday to pay their last respects to Rajesh D'Silva, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a recent explosion at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL). His funeral ceremonies took place at the Sacred Heart Church in Surathkal, marking a somber conclusion to a tragic incident that deeply affected the region.
On Sunday afternoon, an ambulance transported Rajesh's body to his residence in Kana, Idya village, arriving around 2 PM. Family, friends, and neighbors assembled for a public viewing, offering condolences and sharing memories of the departed. Later, at approximately 4 PM, the cortege proceeded to the Sacred Heart Church in Surathkal. Here, solemn religious rites were performed before the final burial, attended by hundreds of mourners, including many employees from MRPL, expressing their solidarity and grief for their colleague.
Rajesh D'Silva had been receiving intensive care at Father Muller Hospital in Mangaluru for severe burn injuries. He passed away on Saturday morning, several days after the powerful blast that rocked MRPL's CHTU (Coker Hydro Treating Unit) plant in Phase 3 on the afternoon of September 30. Another individual, Manish from Haleyangadi, tragically died at the scene immediately following the explosion, highlighting the immediate dangers of the industrial accident.
The impact of the September 30 blast extended far beyond the refinery's confines. Residents reported feeling significant vibrations up to three to four kilometers away from the site. The powerful shockwave caused structural damage across the vicinity, with cracks appearing in numerous buildings, including homes, shops, religious establishments, schools, and Panchayat offices. Window and door panes shattered throughout the area, creating widespread anxiety and concern among the local populace who grappled with the aftermath of the unforeseen tragedy.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK