Reactor Blast at Pharma Unit Kills 6, 13 Workers Rescued; Probe Underway

HYDERABAD:
Tragedy struck Hyderabad’s Pashamylaram industrial area on Monday morning, as a massive reactor blast at Sigachi Industries Pvt Ltd. claimed the lives of five workers, while thirteen others were rescued from under the debris.

The explosion, which occurred around 9.30 am, triggered widespread panic in the locality. Fire and emergency services were alerted via a distress call at 9.37 am, following which eleven fire tenders were rushed to the scene.

Fire officials confirmed that several of the injured workers sustained critical burn injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for anyone possibly trapped within the rubble of the collapsed reactor unit.

According to initial assessments, a pressure build-up within the reactor is suspected to have caused the explosion. However, a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and verify whether industrial safety protocols were adhered to.

The impact of the incident also rippled through financial markets. Shares of Sigachi Industries, a firm known for its production of pharma excipients, nutraceutical and food ingredients, plunged 9.89% on the BSE, trading at Rs 49.72 by noon.

Authorities have cordoned off the area and are working in coordination with forensic and safety experts to gather evidence from the blast site. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing units, with industrial bodies calling for a swift and transparent inquiry.

Families of the deceased are being contacted, and arrangements are being made for post-mortem and support measures. State labour and safety departments are also expected to visit the site for independent assessments.

As Hyderabad mourns the loss of lives in yet another industrial accident, calls for stricter enforcement of safety norms grow louder.