
Telangana Chemical Factory Blast: Death Toll Rises to 42, Rescue Operations Ongoing
Hyderabad, July 2, 2025 – Tragedy struck Telangana’s industrial sector as the death toll in the Pashamylaram chemical factory explosion rose to 42 by Tuesday evening. The explosion, which occurred on Monday afternoon at the Sigachi Chemical Industry facility, was suspected to have been caused by a reactor blast. Rescue operations remain underway as emergency teams continue to search through the debris.
Deadly Reactor Blast Leaves Devastation
Initial reports confirmed 12 casualties by Monday night. However, as rescue teams intensified their operations through the night and into Tuesday, the number of bodies recovered surged drastically.
“Several bodies have been found under the debris while removing it… The last leg of the rescue operation is still going on,” confirmed District Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj.
Authorities said that over 90 workers were present in the facility at the time of the explosion. Most of the victims were trapped under the collapsed structure, while others were thrown several meters away due to the intensity of the blast.
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight the Scale of the Tragedy
Telangana's Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, after visiting the site, provided disturbing details. “The blast was so powerful that parts of the industrial shed were blown apart. Some workers were reportedly thrown nearly 100 meters away,” he said, citing testimonies from surviving factory employees.
The minister added that the site resembled a war zone, with twisted metal, shattered machinery, and charred debris littering the premises.
CM Revanth Reddy and Top Officials to Visit Site
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is expected to visit the accident site to personally assess the situation and oversee relief measures. His office has reportedly ordered a high-level investigation into the cause of the explosion and has promised strict action against any lapses in safety protocols.
Massive Rescue Operations Launched
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), HYDRAA, and Telangana Fire & Disaster Response teams have been deployed for the ongoing rescue mission. By Tuesday evening, personnel were seen using advanced equipment, including thermal scanners and debris cutters, to search for any survivors.
Rescuers worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, with frequent flare-ups and structural instability hindering their progress. Officials indicated that they would not halt efforts until every section of the facility was combed.
Governor Expresses Deep Grief and Urges Action
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic accident. In a public statement, he said, “This is an unimaginable loss for so many families. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.”
The Governor also contacted M. Dan Kishore, Principal Secretary of Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF), and directed him to provide immediate compensation, medical support, and long-term rehabilitation for the injured and deceased workers’ families.
Cause of the Explosion Still Under Investigation
While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, officials suspect the incident was due to a chemical reaction within one of the reactors at the plant. Experts from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) and a team of forensic scientists have been deployed to examine the explosion site.
Sources indicate that safety norms and emergency protocols followed by the Sigachi Chemical Industry will be reviewed in detail. Past inspection records and the factory’s compliance with the Factories Act, 1948, will also be scrutinized.
Labour Rights Groups Call for Accountability
Several workers’ unions and labour rights groups have condemned the incident, calling it a preventable tragedy. They have demanded that the government conduct an impartial inquiry and bring those responsible to justice.
“This is yet another example of negligence in industrial safety. We cannot afford to have human lives sacrificed for production targets. We want accountability,” said Anil Kumar, leader of the Telangana Workers’ Welfare Association.
Condolences Pour In from Across the Country
Political leaders, industrial associations, and citizen groups from across India have expressed condolences. Many have taken to social media to urge stricter safety regulations in hazardous industries.
Senior opposition leader Kavita Ramesh tweeted, “The Pashamylaram factory blast is a grim reminder of the price workers pay when safety takes a back seat. We demand an independent probe and compensation for the victims.”
Conclusion
The explosion at the Sigachi Chemical Industry has left a devastating impact on dozens of families and once again raised questions about safety compliance in India’s industrial sectors. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, Telangana’s government faces immense pressure to ensure accountability, justice, and future preventive measures.
The coming days will be crucial in determining how this tragedy reshapes safety norms across chemical industries in the region.