Sangareddy, Telangana, June 30 — In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves across the state, a powerful explosion at a chemical manufacturing unit in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Monday resulted in the death of 32 workers, with 27 others still reported missing. Several more have been grievously injured and are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Hyderabad.
The explosion took place at approximately 11:20 a.m. in the premises of Amudhan Explochem Pvt. Ltd., a factory engaged in the production of industrial explosives. The blast was so intense that it was heard several kilometers away, shaking buildings and breaking windows in nearby villages.
According to preliminary investigations, the explosion was likely caused by a short circuit that ignited stored flammable chemicals. The resulting fire quickly engulfed the production area, leading to the collapse of a major section of the building. Many workers were trapped under the debris.
Emergency response teams, including local fire brigades, 12 fire tenders, and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were immediately dispatched to the site. Rescue efforts continued well into the evening as officials worked to locate and extract those trapped. Bodies recovered from the site were badly charred, making identification difficult. DNA tests have been ordered to assist in the process.
Telangana Chief Minister Mr. Revanth Reddy, upon visiting the site, announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured the public that a judicial inquiry had been initiated to ascertain the cause of the explosion and to fix responsibility.
“This is a black day for Telangana,” the Chief Minister said. “We will ensure that those found guilty of negligence will face strict legal action.”
The factory, which has previously been flagged for safety violations, was reportedly operating without a valid fire safety clearance. A minor fire had been reported at the same unit in 2023, but corrective measures were allegedly not implemented.
Several labor organizations and local residents have voiced their anger, alleging regulatory lapses and inadequate worker protection measures. Many have demanded immediate audits of similar industrial units across the state.
Police have registered a case under sections pertaining to criminal negligence and culpable homicide, and investigations are ongoing. A forensic team has been deployed to the site to collect samples and further analyze the cause of the blast.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue, with hopes diminishing as hours pass. Authorities have established a helpline number for relatives of workers to inquire about the status of their loved ones.
The tragedy has left the state mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and condolences pouring in from across the country.
