Hyderabad: A massive explosion at an industrial unit in Telangana’s Sangareddy district claimed the lives of 13 workers and left 35 others injured on Monday.
The blast occurred in a chemical factory at Pashamylaram industrial area, about 50 km from Hyderabad. The explosion in Sigachi Chemicals led to the collapse of a three-story building in the manufacturing unit and triggered a huge fire.
The death toll may rise as some more workers are feared trapped under the debris. The injured were admitted to various hospitals, and the condition of 12 of them was critical.
The explosion occurred around 9.30 a.m. in the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit. The rescue operation was continuing on Monday night.
According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away. Eleven fire engines brought the fire under control. Police, fire services and other personnel launched rescue and relief operations.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), Revenue and police were participating in rescue and relief works. Eight workers died on the spot while five others succumbed at hospitals. Company’s vice-president M. E. Elanghovan is reported to be among the dead. (IANS)
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