What Caused the Tragic Chemical Factory Explosion in Telangana?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Twelve fatalities reported from the chemical factory explosion.
- Approximately 30 individuals injured, with critical cases requiring ventilator support.
- The factory has been operational for 40-45 years.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, involving multiple agencies.
- The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Hyderabad, June 30 (NationPress) Twelve workers lost their lives and around 30 others sustained injuries during a devastating explosion at a chemical factory located in Pashamylaram, near Hyderabad, on Monday.
The incident took place at a manufacturing facility in the industrial sector of Sangareddy district.
The blast ignited a massive fire, which consumed the premises of Sigachi Chemicals. Firefighters promptly arrived to extinguish the flames, utilizing eleven fire engines to gain control of the situation.
Authorities, including police and fire services, initiated rescue and relief operations. Unfortunately, eight workers perished at the scene, while four others died in medical facilities.
Two of the deceased at a hospital in Madinguda were identified as Abhishek Kumar (from Bihar) and Nagarjit Tiwari (from Odisha).
At the time of the explosion, 66 employees were present at the factory. Those injured were transferred to various hospitals, with twelve reported to be in critical condition.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), police, and revenue officials, participated in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Eyewitnesses reported that the force of the explosion propelled workers into the air, with some landing several meters away.
The three-story structure of the manufacturing facility collapsed due to the blast's impact, and flames spread to an adjacent building within the complex.
Migrant laborers from Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and other states were employed at the plant.
The explosion and subsequent fire caused widespread panic among employees in the chemical unit and nearby factories, prompting them to flee the premises.
Rescue teams also utilized earthmovers to clear the debris from the collapsed structure, uncovering four bodies in the wreckage.
Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha and Labour Minister G. Vivek visited the site of the tragedy.
Minister Raja Narasimha informed reporters that the cause of the explosion remains unknown. The company, operational for 40-45 years, specializes in manufacturing Microcrystalline cellulose.
Minister Vivek stated that twelve injured individuals were on ventilator support due to severe respiratory issues. He confirmed that the factory manager was among the deceased and noted that critical records related to workers were lost in the fire.
He also mentioned that, initially, it did not appear to be a reactor explosion, suggesting that an issue with the air dryer system may have triggered the blast.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
The Governor communicated with Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF) Principal Secretary M. Dana Kishore, instructing him to ensure all possible support and medical assistance for the victims.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident, directing officials to implement all necessary measures for the rescue of trapped workers.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, he also ordered that the injured receive the best medical treatment available.
Director General of Fire Services B. V. Narayana and HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath quickly arrived at the site in Sangareddy district.
Collector P. Pravinya and Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj oversaw the rescue and relief operations.