At least 12 dead in major blast at Telangana chemical factory, several still trapped

Pashamylaram (Telangana), June 30, 2025 — A powerful explosion shook a chemical factory in Telangana on Monday morning, killing at least 12 workers and injuring many more. The blast took place at Sigachi Industries in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Sangareddy district, about 30 kilometers from Hyderabad.

The Incident: What Happened?

The explosion occurred around 9:45 AM. It began inside a chemical reactor on the third floor. According to officials, a sudden reaction or equipment failure likely caused the blast. Within seconds, flames engulfed the upper floors of the building.

Over 50 employees were on duty when the explosion ripped through the plant. Many tried to escape, but falling debris and fire made it difficult.

Eyewitness Panic

People in nearby factories heard a loud boom and saw thick black smoke rising. “We thought it was an earthquake,” said S. Murthy, a worker from a neighboring unit. “We ran toward the building and heard people screaming inside.”

Videos from the site showed workers running out with burn injuries. Some were seen carrying their colleagues on makeshift stretchers. The explosion also damaged nearby buildings and shattered windows across the area.

Rescue Operations Underway

Firefighters and rescue teams arrived within minutes. Ten fire engines battled the flames while SDRF and NDRF personnel searched for trapped workers. Rescue operations continued late into the evening.

Officials rescued over 30 injured workers. Many of them suffered burns, fractures, or breathing issues from inhaling fumes. The death toll climbed to 12, with several people still feared trapped.

District Collector V. Prashanti said, “Our teams are doing everything to find survivors. Medical support is in place at local hospitals.”

Victims and Injuries

The deceased included both men and women, many from Telangana and neighboring states. Hospitals in Hyderabad, including Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General, are treating the injured. Doctors reported that five victims remain in critical condition.

Most of the injured sustained second-degree burns and lung damage from chemical exposure.

CM Revanth Reddy Reacts, Announces Compensation

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Pashamylaram. We are taking all steps to rescue and treat those affected.”

The state government will provide ₹5 lakh to each deceased worker’s family and ₹1 lakh to the injured. The Chief Minister also ordered a full probe into the cause of the explosion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered additional compensation of ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).

Safety Concerns Under the Microscope

Preliminary reports suggest that the factory might not have followed standard safety protocols. Officials are now checking whether Sigachi Industries completed its latest safety audit. There are also questions about staff training and emergency preparedness.

Industrial safety expert Ramesh Narayan said, “Chemical reactors must be monitored closely. A small mistake can turn deadly if the plant lacks safety backups.”

India has seen several such accidents in the past. The Vizag gas leak (2020) and Boisar fire (2021) are reminders of the dangers of industrial negligence.

Industrial Growth, Regulatory Gaps

Pashamylaram is one of Telangana’s busiest industrial zones. It houses over 150 manufacturing units, including chemical, pharma, and textile plants. But residents and activists claim that the area has grown without proper oversight.

Shalini Reddy, a local activist, said, “This is not the first accident here. The government must enforce stricter rules before more lives are lost.”

Environmental and Health Impact

After the fire was controlled, officials began assessing environmental risks. Chemical residue, smoke, and fumes could pose long-term threats to nearby areas. The Telangana State Pollution Control Board has begun monitoring air and water quality around the site.

Health workers advised residents to wear masks and stay indoors until the smoke clears. Schools and offices near the plant were closed as a precaution.

What’s Next?

The fire has been brought under control, but debris removal is still ongoing. Authorities are using thermal cameras and gas detectors to locate anyone still trapped. Rescue dogs have also been deployed to assist.

A team of forensic experts will examine reactor fragments to determine what triggered the explosion.

The Telangana government has promised a full investigation and said it will punish anyone found guilty of negligence.

Conclusion

The Pashamylaram factory blast is a harsh reminder of how quickly lives can change in unsafe workplaces. While officials have offered condolences and money, real change will only come with strict safety laws and stronger accountability.

As families grieve and survivors recover, the state must act swiftly to prevent another industrial tragedy.