Telangana-Chemical-Plant-Blast-Claims-a-Score-of-Lives

 

A score of workers killed in Telangana factory blast; PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia for families


A strong explosion broke out at a chemical production unit at Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Monday morning. At least 10 workers were killed, and some others suffered serious injuries. The explosion took place at Sigachi Industries Pvt Ltd at Pashamylaram Industrial Estate, causing a huge fire and building collapse.

The blast, which is believed to have occurred because of a reactor malfunction, happened at about 9.30 AM, officials stated. The shock hurled workers up to 100 metres away, eyewitnesses claimed, and some others were said to be trapped under rubble when a part of the building collapsed.

 

Rescue Ops on War Footing

 

After a fire report was received at 9.37 AM, the Telangana Fire Department sent 11 tenders from Patancheru, Sangareddy, Kukatpally, Madhapur, Jeedimetla, and Rajendranagar. Disaster response teams and two fire robots were also rushed to the scene. Firemen fought raging flames while rescue teams searched through the debris for survivors.

“Close to 15-20 workers are injured, some of them seriously," a fire officer said. Clips posted on social media indicated huge black plumes of smoke coming out of the factory and chaos on the street. Hindustan Times was unable to ascertain independently if the video was authentic.

 

State Machinery Swings Into Action

 

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy sent condolences to the families of the victims and ordered officials to step up rescue operations and give the injured their best medical attention. "All possible steps need to be taken to rescue any trapped workers and give immediate relief," he said in a release.

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha ordered the Sangareddy district administration to oversee relief operations and provide emergency medical assistance to the injured.

 

PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives because of the Sangareddy factory explosion. Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, the PM also announced financial assistance to the victims.

“Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy at a factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister’s Office wrote in a post on X.

“An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the post added.

The ex gratia assistance would be given out of the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The Centre has also promised to extend required help in coordination with the state authorities.

 

 

Industrial Safety in the Dock

 

Industrial areas of Pashamylaram and Sangareddy have been the site of several reactor-related accidents over the last few years. In an earlier similar accident in 2023, three employees succumbed to a reactor blast at a different chemical plant. A pharma unit explosion in nearby Sangareddy in 2022 killed six people and injured 14.

The latest explosion has been investigated by authorities, probing potential safety protocol violations as well as technical failures.

As of late Monday evening, firefighting operations were still underway. Officials said the factory’s operations will remain suspended until a full inspection is completed.