In a heart-wrenching industrial accident in Telangana, the death toll has tragically risen to 22, with fears that it may increase further as rescue efforts continue. The incident occurred at a chemical factory in the Pasharam industrial area of Sangareddy district, which has been producing microcrystalline cellulose for over four decades. Initial reports indicated that 13 lives had been lost, but as rescue operations progressed through the night, rescuers uncovered additional bodies trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.
The explosion and subsequent structural failure occurred when one of the factory’s reactors malfunctioned, leading to a catastrophic blast that has left at least 20 others critically injured and receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. Eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos and devastation, as family members of the victims gathered at the site, demanding answers about their loved ones and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Telangana government has launched a comprehensive safety investigation into the incident, pledging to take strict action based on preliminary report findings. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is scheduled to visit the site and assess the situation, as well as meet with injured victims in the hospitals. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
The opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism, accusing the government of negligence. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K.T. Rama Rao condemned the lack of ministerial presence at the site, sarcastically remarking that if the situation were a beauty pageant, the Congress cabinet would have been there en masse. The opposition has demanded compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim’s family, reflecting the public outrage and the urgent need for accountability in the wake of such a devastating incident.
As rescue teams continue their work, the situation remains tense. Officials are conducting thorough debris removal operations to ensure that no one else is trapped beneath the wreckage. The rescue efforts, while ongoing, have faced challenges due to the hazardous conditions at the site. Authorities are also in discussions with the factory management to secure further compensation for the victims’ families.
The tragic events at the chemical factory have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting serious concerns about industrial safety standards in the region. As investigations continue and the full extent of the disaster becomes clearer, the focus will undoubtedly shift to preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring accountability for those responsible.