At least 12 people were killed and 13 others rescued after a powerful explosion ripped through a reactor unit at Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd. in the Pashamylaram industrial area near Hyderabad on Monday morning.
The incident occurred around 8:30 am when workers were on duty inside the facility, located in the Sangareddy district on the outskirts of the Telangana capital.
Preliminary reports suggest that a chemical reactor in the company’s manufacturing unit, which produces pharmaceutical and speciality chemicals, exploded unexpectedly, triggering a massive blast followed by a fire.
Authorities confirmed that 12 workers lost their lives in the incident, while emergency responders managed to rescue 13 others from the debris and smoke-filled premises.
The injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition.
‘Severe’ Explosion
Speaking to the media, Sangareddy District Collector Valluru Kranthi said, “The explosion was severe, and emergency teams, including firefighters, police, and medical personnel, responded swiftly.”
“Unfortunately, 12 people could not be saved. Rescue operations are complete, and the situation is under control,” the official added.
Visuals from the site showed thick smoke billowing from the industrial unit as fire tenders battled the flames for over two hours. The blast damaged parts of the building, with shattered glass and debris strewn across the facility’s premises.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials suspect a technical fault or safety lapse in the reactor unit.
Telangana’s Industries Minister Jupally Krishna Rao expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured strict action if negligence is found.
“We have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. The safety of industrial workers is paramount, and any violations will not be tolerated,” Rao stated.
The Sigachi reactor explosion has reignited concerns over industrial safety standards in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors near Hyderabad in Telangana. Workers’ unions have demanded immediate audits of similar facilities to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sigachi Industries, a leading manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose and speciality chemicals, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Authorities have sealed the premises, and forensic teams are on-site to gather evidence.
(With inputs from IBNS)
