34 Dead in Telangana Chemical Plant Explosion, Rescue Ops Continue

At least 34 people have died following a massive explosion at Sigachi Industries’ chemical plant in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Telangana’s Sangareddy district. The powerful reactor blast, which tore through the factory premises on Monday morning, also sparked a major fire and caused large-scale structural collapse.

The explosion occurred between 8:15 am and 9:35 am, prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response that has continued into Tuesday. Rescue workers are still sifting through the debris in search of survivors or bodies.

Initially, state health officials reported 12 deaths and said 34 others were receiving treatment. However, the toll has since risen sharply as bodies were recovered from the rubble and several of the injured succumbed to their wounds in hospitals.

Fire officials confirmed that a fire alert was received at 9:37 am. In response, 11 fire tenders from across the region — including Patancheru, Sangareddy, Kukatpally, Madhapur, Jeedimetla, and Rajendranagar — were rushed to the scene to control the blaze.

Alongside fire and police teams, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDF), and two firefighting robots were deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

“There was an explosion at Sigachi Pharma’s chemical unit around 8:15–9:35 am. We were alerted within minutes and reached the spot promptly,” said V Satyanarayana, Inspector General, Multi Zone II. “Six bodies were recovered from the site, while two others died during treatment. Rescue and firefighting operations are still underway.”

The plant reportedly had about 150 employees, with nearly 90 workers believed to have been in the affected section at the time of the blast.

Monday’s tragedy is the latest in a string of industrial accidents in the Sangareddy-Pashamylaram corridor. Similar fatal incidents have occurred in recent years, including a blast at another pharma unit that killed six and injured 14, and a 2023 explosion that claimed three lives.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed officials to ensure all trapped workers are rescued and the injured receive proper medical care.

The incident has sparked political backlash, with the opposition BJP demanding an investigation into safety lapses and accountability. “The government must ensure top-tier medical care for the injured,” said BJP MLA Payal Shankar. “How did such an explosion happen? Were safety measures in place? If this occurred in a densely populated area, the consequences would have been far worse. There must be a thorough probe.”

Also Read: Reactor Blast at Hyderabad Factory Leaves 10 Feared Dead