🏭 Telangana Factory Blast Kills 35 — Rescue Ops Halted Amid Safety Concerns
📅 Updated: 1 July 2025 | By NewsWalaFeed Team
🚨 HYDERABAD, TELANGANA — A deadly explosion at a pharmaceutical chemical factory in Medak district has claimed the lives of at least 35 workers, with several others still missing or critically injured. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening (30 June), triggered a fire that spread across three buildings of the Sigachi Industries compound.
Authorities have now temporarily suspended rescue operations due to the structural collapse and hazardous gas leaks, sparking outrage and concern from families and labor unions.
🔥 What Happened?
According to initial reports, the explosion occurred around 4:30 PM IST in the solvent storage area of the Sigachi plant, where chemicals used for API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production were being handled.
Eyewitness Ram Naresh, a surviving worker, said:
"There was a loud bang and then black smoke. People were trapped inside the chemical room. We couldn't even breathe."
Within minutes, fire engulfed the main processing unit, and several walls collapsed, burying workers under debris.
👮♂️ Rescue Operation Timeline
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Over 100 firefighters from Hyderabad and Sangareddy were deployed.
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NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and DRF units worked overnight to pull out survivors.
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Rescue paused at 3:00 AM today due to:
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Toxic gas exposure risk
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Crumbling ceilings and unstable debris
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The current death toll is 35, with 12 seriously injured and 5 unaccounted for.
🧪 Cause of the Explosion
Preliminary investigations suggest the following causes:
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Overheating of chemical drums
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Inadequate storage protocols
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Possible short-circuit in the control panel
The Telangana Pollution Control Board and Forensic Science Lab (FSL) teams are now examining the site.
🧑⚖️ Legal Action & FIR Filed
A criminal FIR has been registered under:
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IPC Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)
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Section 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter)
Local police have detained the plant manager and two safety officers for questioning.
💬 Reactions & Official Statements
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy tweeted:
"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in Medak. An inquiry has been ordered, and compensation will be announced for the families."
Labour rights activist Kavitha Yadav said:
"This is criminal negligence. These workers were given no safety drills, and the plant had no functioning alarm system."
🏥 Hospitals Overloaded
Injured workers are being treated at:
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Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad
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Medak District Civil Hospital
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Emergency burn units report severe inhalation injuries and chemical burns
📸 On-Ground Visuals
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Smoke billowing from the collapsed compound
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Fire trucks lining the narrow village road
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Distraught families waiting outside hospital gates
(Image credit: Local news correspondents and NDRF media briefings)
📢 What’s Next?
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Rescue ops will resume after NDRF clears the safety zone
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A Judicial Inquiry Committee will investigate licensing, inspections, and violations
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Families of the deceased are demanding ₹25 lakh compensation and permanent government jobs
📌 Conclusion
The Telangana factory blast is one of the worst industrial accidents in recent years, exposing major gaps in safety compliance and worker protection in India’s chemical manufacturing sector. As survivors recover and families mourn, questions arise: Could this tragedy have been prevented?
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