Sangareddy: A powerful explosion ripped through the Sigachi Chemicals plant in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Sunday afternoon, killing at least 15 workers and injuring over 30 others. The blast, which occurred in the industrial zone of Patancheru, set off a massive fire that has yet to be fully brought under control, triggering chaos and panic across the surrounding areas.
The explosion, believed to have originated from a chemical reactor during routine operations, shook the vicinity with a thunderous noise, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Initial reports suggest that around 150 workers were present inside the facility at the time of the incident. Eyewitnesses claim that over 100 of them were inside the main production block when the explosion occurred, with many unable to escape in time due to the rapid spread of flames.
According to police and disaster management authorities, ten workers died on the spot, while five others succumbed to severe burn injuries during treatment at various hospitals. At least 30 more are receiving medical care at nearby facilities, including specialized burn units in Hyderabad, with several reportedly in critical condition.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), multiple fire brigades, and local police teams rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion. Rescue operations continued into the evening, with personnel battling dense smoke, extreme heat, and the risk of further secondary explosions due to residual chemical stockpiles inside the factory.
Inspector General of Police, B. Satyanarayana, who is overseeing the rescue and relief operations, said, “So far, 15 people have feared lost their lives, and 26 to 30 others have sustained serious injuries. The fire is yet to be completely extinguished. Our priority is to ensure there are no more people trapped inside the premises and to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent industrial units.”
Hydraulic cranes, fire tenders, and rescue dogs were deployed in the high-risk zones of the factory to search for any survivors possibly trapped under debris or in smoke-filled enclosures. The entire area has been cordoned off, and traffic on the adjoining industrial route was suspended to facilitate unhindered emergency access.
Residents and workers from nearby factories recounted scenes of horror and confusion. “We heard a deafening sound and saw a column of fire rise into the air. People were running everywhere, some were crying for help,” said Raju, a contract worker in a neighboring unit. “The blast was so intense, window panes shattered in buildings nearly half a kilometer away.”
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that a chemical reactor might have overheated or malfunctioned during regular operations. Authorities are probing whether safety standards and operational protocols were followed at the plant.
Telangana’s Medical and Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha, accompanied by his cabinet colleague G. Vivek Venkatswamy, rushed to the site of the incident and later visited the injured undergoing treatment at the Sangareddy District Headquarters Hospital. Former Health Minister and senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao also reached the hospital upon hearing of the explosion, interacting with victims and assuring them that they would receive the best possible medical care.
Meanwhile, District Collector Valluru Kranthi, along with other senior officials, reached the accident site to oversee rescue operations and coordinate emergency response efforts. Forensic experts and officials from the Telangana Pollution Control Board were also deployed to examine the debris and assess the environmental impact of the chemical fire.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives and issued strict instructions for an exhaustive rescue and relief operation. In a statement, he said, “I am pained by the tragic loss of lives in the Sigachi Chemicals accident. I have instructed officials to extend all possible support to the victims’ families and ensure the best medical care for the injured. An investigation will be launched to fix accountability.”
He also announced an ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured, although the exact amount is yet to be finalized.
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about industrial safety standards in Telangana’s chemical hubs, especially in Patancheru and Jeedimetla, which house several hazardous chemical processing units. Environmental activists and labor unions have repeatedly flagged violations of safety norms in the region.
As night fell, firefighters continued to battle lingering flames while forensic and fire department officials began initial assessments. The factory, which was severely damaged in the blast, will remain sealed until investigations conclude.
More updates are expected in the coming hours as the situation unfolds and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
