Telangana pharma unit reactor blast kills 2 and injures 9; second incident in just over a month

Telangana: Two workers were killed and nine others injured after a reactor blast triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical unit in Telangana’s Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district late Friday night.

The blast occurred at a pharmaceutical facility in Donthigudem in Bhoodan Pochampally mandal while workers were changing shifts. The explosion triggered a fire at the unit, prompting emergency services and police to reach the site.

Two workers died from their injuries while undergoing treatment. The deceased were identified as Rajashekar and Nagaraju.

Police said nine people were injured in the incident. Two suffered burns affecting more than 50 per cent of their bodies and were reported to be in serious condition. Seven others sustained minor injuries.

The injured were taken to hospitals, including a private hospital in Hyderabad, for treatment. Fire personnel brought the blaze under control after the explosion.

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Previous incident at the same unit

The latest accident has raised concerns locally because another serious incident was reported at the same facility in July. On July 16, an employee, Krishna Reddy from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, died following the release of poisonous gas from a reactor at the unit.

Local residents have expressed concern over the recurrence of accidents and called for a detailed inspection of the facility.

They have also sought action against those responsible for any safety lapses and stricter enforcement of workplace safety protocols.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to the reactor blast. Authorities are expected to examine the cause of the explosion, safety procedures at the facility and whether any violations contributed to the incident.