A devastating explosion rocked the Sigachi Chemicals plant in Hyderabad’s Pasamailaram industrial zone, Patancheru, on Monday, killing at least 12 workers and injuring over 20 others. The blast, suspected to have been caused by a chemical reaction in the reactor unit, led to a massive fire that engulfed the facility.

Around 90 workers were present inside the plant when the incident occurred. According to Telangana Health Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha, the explosion triggered an intense blaze that quickly spread through the premises, reducing large sections of the factory to rubble.

Emergency response teams, including eleven fire engines, police units, and disaster response personnel, rushed to the site to battle the flames and rescue trapped workers. Ambulances were deployed to transport the injured to nearby government and private hospitals. Several victims remain in critical condition, with 12 of them on ventilator support due to severe respiratory burns, said Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy.

Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with the explosion powerful enough to hurl workers into the air. “It was like a warzone—people were screaming, debris was flying, and the fire spread to nearby buildings,” recounted one eyewitness.

The blast led to the collapse of the manufacturing unit and affected adjacent structures. Many of the injured workers were from other states, including Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the vulnerability of migrant laborers in industrial setups.

Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, Y Nagi Reddy, suggested that the explosion may have occurred in the plant’s drying unit, though further technical analysis is underway. Inspector General of Police V Satyanarayana confirmed it was a reactor explosion, possibly due to a pressure build-up during material handling or the drying process.

Government officials who visited the site have assured a full investigation and support for the victims. “We will ensure a thorough probe and strict action based on the findings,” said Narasimha.

This incident raises serious questions about industrial safety protocols and the monitoring of hazardous chemical operations, especially in densely populated industrial zones.

This article is published by Crime Today News ©