What Caused the Telangana Chemical Factory Blast? Death Toll Climbs to 32
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Synopsis
The catastrophic explosion at a Pashamylaram pharmaceutical factory has claimed 32 lives and left many injured. As rescue efforts continue, questions arise about the cause and the future implications for safety regulations in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- The explosion at Sigachi Industries Limited resulted in 32 fatalities.
- Ongoing rescue operations are searching for 27 missing workers.
- The incident highlights critical safety concerns in the industrial sector.
- Many victims were migrant workers from various states.
- A high-powered committee has been formed to investigate the disaster.
Hyderabad, July 1 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the explosion at a pharmaceutical facility in Pashamylaram, located near Hyderabad, has tragically increased to 32 as of Tuesday, with approximately 15 injured individuals passing away in hospitals overnight.
This incident marks one of the most devastating industrial disasters in Telangana's history, and the toll may rise as rescue teams tirelessly search through the wreckage of a three-storey building that collapsed due to the explosion's force.
A significant blast occurred at Sigachi Industries Limited’s pharmaceutical plant in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Sangareddy district, approximately 50 km from Hyderabad, on Monday morning.
The explosion, originating from the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit, also resulted in injuries to 35 workers, with the condition of 11 being critical.
Officials report that 27 workers are still unaccounted for, feared trapped under the debris.
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), police, and revenue teams, are engaged in clearing the rubble.
The majority of the affected individuals were migrant workers hailing from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
At the time of the explosion, 108 workers were present in the factory, with the blast being audible from a distance of five km. The explosion ignited a massive fire, necessitating the deployment of 15 fire engines to extinguish the flames.
Witnesses described the immense power of the blast, stating that workers were thrown into the air and landed several meters away.
Due to the horrific condition of some victims, authorities are conducting DNA tests to identify the deceased.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the site of the tragedy and will also meet the injured at a government hospital.
Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha informed reporters that the cause of the explosion remains unknown. The company, established 40-45 years ago, specializes in the production of Microcrystalline Cellulose.
Labour Minister G. Vivek indicated that it does not appear to be a reactor explosion; instead, an issue with the air dryer system is suspected to have triggered the blast and subsequent fire.
The state government has formed a high-powered committee to investigate the disaster and uncover its underlying causes. This committee includes the Chief Secretary, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management), Principal Secretary (Labour), Principal Secretary (Health), and Additional DGP (Fire Services).
The Chief Minister’s Office reports that this panel will also provide recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the urgency of safety measures in industrial operations following this tragic explosion. The loss of lives, especially among migrant workers, underscores the need for stringent regulations and oversight to prevent such disasters in the future.
NationPress
01/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the chemical factory explosion in Telangana?
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest a malfunction in the air dryer system may have triggered the blast.
How many people were injured in the incident?
A total of 35 workers were injured, with the condition of 11 being critical.
What measures are being taken by the government?
The state government has formed a high-powered committee to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
Who are the victims of the explosion?
The majority of the victims were migrant workers from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
What is the current status of rescue operations?
Rescue operations are ongoing, with 27 workers still reported missing and rescue teams continuing to search through the debris.
