Reactor Blast at Telangana Pharma Plant Kills Two, Injures Nine
Two workers were killed and nine others injured after a reactor blast triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Telangana's Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district late Friday night, police said.
The incident occurred at a pharma company located in Pochampally mandal, at a time when workers were changing shifts. A police official from the local station confirmed the casualty figures. "Two persons died. Nine people were injured, including two who suffered more than 50 per cent burns while seven sustained minor injuries," the official told PTI.
The injured workers have been admitted to different hospitals in the area for treatment. The official added that the two with severe burns are under critical observation, while the others are stated to be stable.
Following the blast, a fire broke out at the unit, which was later brought under control by the Fire Department after a sustained operation. Police have registered a case under relevant sections and have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast. A team of forensic experts is likely to be roped in to ascertain whether any safety protocols were violated.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing involves the use of reactors that operate under high pressure and temperature. Any malfunction or operator error can lead to accidents. Industries are required to follow guidelines issued by regulatory bodies such as the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the state pollution control board. In this case, the exact sequence of events leading to the blast will be determined after a technical inquiry.
The incident has once again brought into focus the safety standards at chemical and pharmaceutical plants across the country. Industrial accidents in such facilities have been reported from various states over the years, often resulting in casualties and injuries. According to industry experts, lack of adherence to standard operating procedures and inadequate maintenance of equipment are among the common causes behind such mishaps. However, in this particular case, the exact reason is yet to be established.
The local administration has assured that all necessary medical assistance is being provided to the injured. Senior officials from the district administration have visited the site to take stock of the situation. Workers at the facility have been asked to remain calm, and the management is cooperating with the investigating authorities.
The authorities have urged the public not to pay heed to rumours, adding that accurate information will be shared as the probe progresses. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification to their families. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
