Two field operators, including a Malayali, died on Saturday morning after a suspected toxic gas leak at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL). The deceased are Bijil Prasad P and Deep Chandra Bhartiya. It is learnt that Bijil was a native of Kozhikode. He was employed as Assistant Operation Officer ( Chemical) at MRPL. He lived in Mangalore with his wife and five-year-old child.

The incident occurred around 8 am as they climbed the platform of a storage tank at the Oil Movement Area to investigate a suspected level malfunction. Both employees were found unconscious on the platform of the tank. 

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy told ANI that a case would be registered based on statements from the victims’ families. He noted that preliminary findings point to a possible hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) leak. "They were rescued and shifted to a hospital, where they died during treatment. Minor hydrogen sulfide gas leakage was detected, and the workers inhaled the gas while inspecting the premises as part of their regular duties, wearing a mask. The deceased, Deep Chandra, aged 33 years, hailed from Prayagraj, and Bijil Prasad, aged 33 years, hailed from Kerala, and were experienced operators. The leakage has been fixed by the MRPL fire and safety team," according to the Commissioner's statement.

A press note from MRPL said that another field Operator, Vinayak Myageri, who went atop the tank to rescue them, has also been admitted to the hospital in Mangalore. He is stable and under observation.

"A high-level committee of Group General Managers has been established to conduct a thorough inquiry. Additionally, all relevant statutory authorities are receiving information," the statement read. MRPL’s fire and safety team has sealed the suspected leak and declared the area safe. The exact cause is yet to be confirmed. An internal probe is underway.