Hyderabad: Reactor explodes at Seegachi Chemicals, Patancheru; 12 killed, 34 injured

Hyderabad: A devastating explosion at a chemical manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram industrial area near Hyderabad claimed 12 lives and left over 30 workers injured on Monday. The tragic incident occurred at Sigachi Industries, located in Sangareddy district, sending shockwaves across the state.

Explosion sparks massive fire

The blast, which occurred around noon, sparked a massive fire that quickly engulfed the factory premises. Eleven fire engines were deployed to douse the flames, as thick smoke and fire spread rapidly through the structure.

The intensity of the blast led to the collapse of the three-storey manufacturing unit, and the flames even reached the adjoining sections of the factory.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Out of the 66 workers on-site at the time of the explosion, eight died instantly, while four others succumbed to injuries at various hospitals. Two of the deceased were identified as Abhishek Kumar from Bihar and Nagarjit Tiwari from Odisha.

Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), HYDRAA, police, and fire services, were involved in the relief operations. Earthmovers were deployed to clear the debris, and four bodies were pulled from the rubble.

Witnesses recall horror

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with some workers being hurled into the air by the force of the blast and falling several metres away. Panic spread through the industrial area, as employees from nearby units fled the site fearing further explosions.

Multiple Injuries and Critical Cases

At least 30 workers sustained injuries, and 12 are reported to be in critical condition, many suffering from respiratory trauma due to inhalation of toxic fumes. Labour Minister G. Vivek, who visited the site, confirmed that the factory manager was among the deceased and added that several employee records were destroyed in the fire.

Cause under investigation

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, who also visited the accident site, said the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. Preliminary assessments suggest that the air dryer system might have malfunctioned, ruling out a reactor blast.

Sigachi Industries, established over four decades ago, primarily manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose, widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Leaders respond with condolences and directives

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed officials to provide the best possible medical care to the injured. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed his condolences and instructed departments to expedite rescue operations and ensure comprehensive treatment for victims.

Senior officials including Director General of Fire Services B. V. Narayana and HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath visited the site to oversee ongoing rescue efforts. District Collector P. Pravinya and Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj are supervising relief operations at the ground level.