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The number of casualties in the devastating explosion at a chemical manufacturing plant in Telangana has climbed to 42 as rescue teams continue to recover bodies from beneath the rubble. Initially, authorities had confirmed 34 deaths, but the toll increased after more bodies were discovered during ongoing recovery efforts. According to Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj, 31 victims were pulled from the debris, while three others died while receiving treatment at the hospital. He confirmed that the final stages of the rescue operation are still underway.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday at the Sigachi Chemical Industry located in Pashamylaram. A suspected reactor malfunction is believed to have caused a massive explosion, which was followed by a large fire. While the exact cause is still under investigation, early reports indicate that a chemical reaction may have triggered the blast. State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha stated that around 90 workers were inside the facility at the time of the explosion.
Describing the horror of the scene, the minister shared that the blast was so powerful it completely destroyed the industrial shed. Witnesses reported that the force of the explosion was so intense it hurled some workers into the air, landing them nearly 100 meters away from the site. Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue efforts. At least 10 bodies were recovered during the initial phase of the operation.
Rescue and recovery efforts are being carried out by a joint team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Fire Services (HYDRAA), and the Telangana Fire Disaster Response units. These teams have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and recover the deceased.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Governor also spoke with M. Dan Kishore, Principal Secretary of Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF), instructing him to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to the victims and their families.
In response to the incident, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the site on Tuesday morning to assess the damage and oversee the relief efforts. The state government is expected to announce further measures to support those affected and prevent such incidents in the future.
