Reactor Blast at Telangana Plant Kills 10, Sparks Fire
A devastating explosion ripped through a chemical plant in Telangana’s Pashamylaram industrial area on Sunday, killing at least 10 workers and injuring more than 20 others. The blast occurred at a reactor inside Sigachi Industries Pvt Ltd, a firm engaged in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. The explosion was followed by a major fire that quickly spread across the facility.
Witnesses described a loud boom that shook nearby buildings, followed by a plume of black smoke rising from the factory. Within minutes, the fire engulfed large parts of the unit, trapping several workers. Emergency services rushed to the site, with over 11 fire tenders deployed to contain the inferno and conduct rescue operations.
High Casualty Figures and Critical Injuries
Authorities confirmed that at least 10 people died on the spot, while more than a dozen were rushed to hospitals in Patancheru and Hyderabad. Several of the injured are in critical condition, suffering from burns and trauma. Rescue operations continued late into the evening as personnel searched for those feared to be trapped inside collapsed structures.
The explosion is believed to have occurred during a production process, although the exact cause is still under investigation. Initial reports suggest a possible overheating of the reactor, but officials have not ruled out negligence or safety violations.
Company Shares Tumble Following Incident
The incident has had an immediate financial impact as well. Shares of Sigachi Industries fell by nearly 15% on the stock market, with investors reacting sharply to the operational and reputational risks now facing the company.
Government Orders Probe Into Industrial Safety Lapses
The Telangana government has ordered a full-fledged inquiry into the explosion. A team of technical experts has been tasked with investigating the cause of the blast and identifying whether the plant was in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Preliminary findings are expected within the next few days.
The tragedy has once again spotlighted the safety standards of industrial units operating in densely packed industrial zones, especially in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Recent years have seen multiple such incidents in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety audits and compliance checks.
