Patancheru, Hyd : A catastrophic explosion rocked Sigachi Chemicals in the Pashamailaram industrial area of Patancheru, Telangana, on Monday morning, claiming the lives of at least 14 workers and leaving many others with severe burn injuries. The devastating incident, triggered by a reactor blast, sparked a massive fire that engulfed parts of the facility, sending shockwaves through the surrounding industrial estate and causing widespread panic. The explosion, reported around 7 AM, was so powerful that workers were thrown several meters by its force, with some eyewitnesses describing the scene as chaotic, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the factory.
Preliminary reports suggest that a pressure build-up or technical fault in the reactor may have caused the blast, though an official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. Emergency response teams, including multiple fire engines and ambulances, were swiftly deployed to the site. Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the raging blaze, while rescue operations focused on evacuating workers trapped inside the facility. District Collector P. Praveenya arrived at the scene to monitor the operations and coordinate efforts to manage the crisis.
Ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where several workers remain in critical condition due to severe burns. Estimates of the death toll vary, with some sources confirming six fatalities, while others warn that the number could rise as rescue operations continue. Several workers are still feared trapped amid the rubble and flames, adding urgency to the ongoing efforts. The incident has highlighted concerns about safety protocols at the facility, with preliminary inquiries suggesting potential lapses in reactor maintenance or operational oversight.
