SANGAREDDY: Fourteen workers, including the general manager of the factory, died and 35 others were injured when a reactor exploded at a unit of Sigachi Industries, a chemical factory in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, on Monday morning. The condition of two workers undergoing treatment is reported to be “very critical”.
The blast razed the entire three-storey building to the ground, throwing several workers up to 100 metres away. The impact was felt up to five kilometres away. The factory manufactures microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose powder.
As the bodies were severely damaged and beyond recognition, officials have decided to conduct DNA tests for identification. According to locals, about 140 workers were at the factory at the time of the accident, including those leaving after the night shift and those arriving for the morning shift.
Initially thought to be a reactor blast, preliminary reports suggested that a build-up of pressure due to heat in a pipeline might have caused the explosion. Heavy rains in the region hampered rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM’s Relief Fund. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed officials to provide the best possible medical care and assured government support to the victims’ families. He will visit the area on Tuesday morning.
The CM also appointed a five-member high-powered committee with the Chief Secretary, Special CS, Disaster Management, Principal Secretary (Labour), Principal Secretary (Health), and Additional DGP (Fire Services) to probe the mishap.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the workers had reported for duty at 9 am when the blast occurred in the administrative block. Five workers were burnt alive, several were trapped under debris, and others died while undergoing treatment.
Pressure build-up in reactor caused blast
According to police and eyewitnesses, the workers had reported for duty at 6 am when the blast occurred in the administrative block, triggering a fire. Five workers were burnt alive, several were trapped under debris, and others died while undergoing treatment.
Fire department Director General Y Nagi Reddy said fire department personnel began rescue operations within five minutes of the blast, which occurred at 9.10 am. He confirmed that the explosion was not caused by the reactor, but was likely caused by a build-up of pressure due to heat in the pipeline. The factory’s fire engine was used initially, followed by 12 additional fire engines. Police, fire services, HYDRAA and NDRF teams responded promptly.
Rescue efforts were challenging as debris from the collapsed building had to be cleared. District Collector Pravinya and SP Paritosh Pankaj supervised operations, which continued into the evening. Drones were used to search for survivors amid dust and smoke, with some staff reporting vomiting due to inhaling chemical-laden air.
Revenue officials are collecting details of the deceased and injured at hospitals. Ministers Damodar Rajanarasimha, G Vivek and former minister T Harish Rao visited the site, met victims, and assured government assistance.
