A powerful explosion at a chemical manufacturing unit in Telangana’s Sangareddy district killed at least 12 workers and injured several more on Monday morning, prompting a large-scale emergency response from state authorities.
The blast, which occurred in the Sigachi Industries chemical factory in Pashamylaram industrial area, is believed to have originated from a reactor malfunction that triggered a fire across the premises. Rescue teams said the force of the explosion and the ensuing fire left parts of the structure charred and inaccessible, fuelling fears that more workers may be trapped beneath the debris.
Local reports indicated that 15 to 20 workers sustained injuries, several of them critical, following the violent reaction blast. The State Fire Department confirmed that 11 fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control, while multiple search and rescue teams combed the site to locate survivors.
Officials from the fire service and local administration remained tight-lipped about the cause, indicating that a technical investigation was underway.
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According to reports, the explosion occurred during routine operations at the plant. Eyewitnesses described hearing a “loud crack” followed by billowing smoke and flames that engulfed the building within minutes. Panic gripped the factory premises as workers scrambled for safety.
“We are yet to determine how many may be trapped inside, but all efforts are being made to reach them,” a senior rescue officer at the site was quoted as saying.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in Patancheru and Hyderabad. Medical teams were deployed to manage the influx of burn and trauma victims. The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed.
Sigachi Industries manufactures cellulose-based chemicals for pharmaceutical and food sectors. Authorities said safety protocols at the site would come under scrutiny following the deadly incident.
This is the second major industrial mishap in the region in recent months, raising concerns over regulatory oversight in chemical processing units operating near Hyderabad’s expanding industrial belt.
An official statement from the Telangana government is awaited.
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