A powerful explosion ripped through a chemical factory in the Pashamailaram industrial area of Patancheru, near Hyderabad, on Monday morning. The incident, believed to be triggered by a reactor blast, caused a massive fire that quickly spread across the facility, leaving over 20 workers critically injured and several others feared trapped under debris. The blast sent shockwaves across the surrounding area, alarming nearby industries and residents who witnessed thick black smoke engulfing the sky.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with multiple fire engines and ambulances rushing to the scene. Firefighting crews are continuing efforts to douse the flames while rescue teams comb through the wreckage in search of survivors. The condition of many injured workers is reported to be serious, with victims being shifted to hospitals in Hyderabad for urgent medical care. Local authorities have cordoned off the site, and operations are ongoing under challenging conditions due to the intensity of the blaze and risk of further explosions.
The explosion has raised renewed concerns about safety compliance in industrial zones, particularly those dealing with hazardous chemicals. State disaster management teams have been deployed, and the Telangana government is expected to issue a formal statement after a preliminary investigation. While the exact cause remains under review, early assessments suggest a possible chemical reaction malfunction inside the reactor. As rescue operations continue and the full impact of the tragedy unfolds, calls for stricter regulatory enforcement and industrial safety audits are growing louder.
