A view of the MRPL refinery.
Credit: DH File Photo
Mangaluru: Two field operators in the Oil Movement Area (OMS) of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) plant lost their lives on Saturday after inhaling leaked Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas while checking for a suspected malfunction of tank FB7029 A (dry slop service - floating roof).
The deceased have been identified as Deep Chandra Bhartiya (33) from Prayagraj and Bijil Prasad (33) from Kerala. A third MRPL field operator, Vinayak Myageri from Gadag, who went climbed to the top of the tank to rescue his two colleagues, has also fallen ill and has been admitted to a hospital in Mangaluru for further treatment.
Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H said that the H2S leakage at the tank was minor, and that MRPL has fixed the leakage. However, a case will be registered based on th statements of the victims' families.
A communication from MRPL stated that both victims were found unconscious on top of the tank. They were administered first aid immediately and were rushed to a nearby hospital. However, doctors who examined them declared them dead.
The condition of Vinayak, meanwhile, is said to be stable and he is currently under observation.
Probe ordered
Following the mishap, MRPL has constituted a high level committee of Group General Managers to carry out a detailed investigation into what caused the incident.
Information is also being provided to all the relevant statutory authorities, said the statement.
ADC visits
Following the mishap, Additional DC Dr Santhish Kumar visited MRPL and held discussions with MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath and directed a high-level probe into the incident.
The ADC has asked MRPL to ensure generous compensation to the victims' families and strengthen all safety norms at the plant. Mangaluru tehsildar Prashath Patil and Surathkal deputy tehsildar Naveen Kumar were also present.