Photo credit: @nishkarshnipun|X
Sangareddy: A catastrophic explosion rocked the Sigachi Pharma chemical factory in the Pashamylaram Phase 1 industrial area of Sangareddy, Telangana, today morning, claiming the lives of at least 13 workers and injuring 35 others, with 12 in critical condition.
The blast, which occurred between 8:15 and 9:35 a.m. in the factory’s Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit, reduced a three-story building to rubble and sparked a massive fire that sent plumes of thick smoke into the sky. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with the force of the explosion hurling workers several meters through the air. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDF), and 11 fire engines, swiftly mobilised to control the blaze and conduct rescue operations, which continued into the night as fears grew that more workers might still be trapped beneath the debris.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy, announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the kin of each deceased worker and Rs. 50,000 for those injured. In a statement shared on X by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi conveyed, “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his condolences, noting that the NDRF and local administration were working tirelessly at the site. “Saddened by the tragic accident in a chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana,” Shah posted on X. “My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured.”
The explosion’s cause remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting a pressure buildup in the drying unit as a possible trigger. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, expressing shock at the incident, directed officials to provide top-tier medical care to the injured and promised full support to the victims’ families. State Minister Vivek Venkatswamy, who visited the site alongside Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, clarified that the blast did not originate from a reactor, as initially reported, though the exact circumstances remain unclear due to the death of the factory in-charge. Approximately 63 workers were present at the facility during the morning shift, with nearly 90 in the affected area, according to officials. The injured were rushed to various hospitals, where medical teams are battling to stabilise those in critical condition, many suffering from severe burns and respiratory distress. DNA tests are being conducted to identify victims whose bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson NV Subhash demanded a thorough probe into the incident, urging authorities to verify whether the factory had complied with safety regulations and obtained necessary licenses. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Mahesh Kumar Goud and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed their condolences, with Gandhi calling the incident “extremely tragic and concerning” and emphasising solidarity with the affected families. The company issued a statement mourning the loss and pledging support to those impacted. As rescue efforts persist and the community grapples with the aftermath, the tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over Sangareddy, raising urgent questions about industrial safety in the region.
– global bihari bureau
