Telangana: 10 feared dead, many injured in massive reactor blast at Hyderabad chemical unit

Ten workers are feared dead and 20 others injured after a massive reactor blast at an industrial unit in Pashamailaram near Hyderabad on the wee hours of Monday.

The explosion happened around 9 am at Sigachi Chemicals, a chemical factory in the Sangareddy district industrial area. The blast triggered a huge fire that quickly spread through the factory premises. Firefighters rushed to the scene, deploying eleven fire engines to control the flames.

Police, fire services, and other emergency teams launched rescue operations. Ambulances were on-site to take the injured to nearby government and private hospitals. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed any deaths.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion was so powerful that workers were thrown into the air and landed several metres away. Part of the manufacturing unit collapsed due to the blast, and the fire spread to adjoining buildings within the factory complex.

Several workers were near the reactor when it exploded. Many of those employed at the unit were migrant workers from Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.

The explosion and fire caused panic among employees, who ran out of the chemical unit and neighbouring factories for safety.

Rescue workers are using earthmovers to clear debris, fearing that some workers may still be trapped under the collapsed structure.

Sangareddy District Collector P. Pravinya and Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj visited the scene and are overseeing rescue efforts.

Staff from nearby industrial units and various departments have joined the operation.

More details are awaited as rescue and relief work continues.