At least 37 people, mostly workers, have been confirmed dead and 35 others injured in a devastating explosion at Sigachi Chloro Chemical Private Limited in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Monday morning. The blast, suspected to have been triggered by a chemical reaction, caused the factory building to collapse, trapping many beneath the debris.
Rescue operations by the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force, and fire services are ongoing, with fears that more may still be trapped. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has formed a five-member high-level committee to investigate the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Rescue Operations and Human Toll
The explosion occurred between 8:15 am and 9:35 am, when nearly 90 workers were present in the affected area of the plant. The blast flattened the structure and ignited a massive fire, making rescue efforts extremely challenging. Emergency teams, including 11 fire engines and two firefighting robots, have been working around the clock. Of the 35 injured, at least 10 are in critical condition.
Many families have gathered at the site and local hospitals, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Due to the extent of burns, only a few bodies have been identified so far, with DNA testing underway to assist in identification. The government has arranged ambulances to transport the bodies to their native places after post-mortem examinations.
Official Response and Investigation
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and condolences, visiting the accident site and announcing the formation of a high-level committee led by Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao. The panel, which also includes senior officials from disaster management, labour, health, and fire services, is tasked with probing the causes and recommending safety measures. The factory has halted operations for 90 days as investigations continue.
Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha confirmed that technical experts are examining the site to determine the exact cause, which is suspected to be a chemical reaction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have conveyed condolences, and the government has promised compensation and advanced medical care for the injured.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This catastrophic incident highlights urgent gaps in industrial safety and emergency preparedness in India’s manufacturing sector. The Logical Indian stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and calls for transparent investigations, robust regulatory enforcement, and a renewed commitment to worker safety.
