Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic industrial accident that claimed the lives of at least eight workers in Telangana’s Sangareddy district. The explosion, which occurred at Sahasra Chemicals Pvt Ltd in the Gaddapotharam Industrial Estate near Jinnaram, resulted in massive fire and panic across the area.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement late evening announcing an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the accident. Additionally, ₹50,000 will be provided to each injured worker under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
PM Modi’s Statement
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said:
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to the factory blast in Sangareddy, Telangana. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Prayers for the injured for a speedy recovery.”
What Happened At The Sangareddy Chemical Factory?
The deadly blast took place around 3:30 PM on Monday at Sahasra Chemicals Pvt Ltd, a medium-scale chemical manufacturing unit producing industrial solvents used in pharmaceuticals and cleaning industries.
Eyewitness Accounts
Workers from nearby units recounted scenes of horror:
- Venkatesh (worker at adjacent unit): “There was a loud explosion. The ground shook and we saw flames rising high. We ran out immediately.”
- Sujatha (worker’s wife): “My husband called me screaming that there was fire everywhere. His phone went off after that. We rushed here but have no news yet.”
Casualties And Injuries: Updated Details
According to Telangana Disaster Management and Sangareddy district administration:
| Casualty Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Dead | 8 (confirmed so far) |
| Critically injured | 12+ |
| Minor injuries | 20+ |
| Missing/trapped | 5-7 (exact number to be confirmed) |
(Source: Preliminary rescue and hospital reports)
Most of the deceased were working near the reactor unit where the blast originated.
Rescue Operations Continue
- Five fire tenders and Telangana State Disaster Response Force teams were deployed immediately to control the fire and rescue trapped workers.
- Cooling operations are underway to prevent re-ignition due to residual chemicals.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has joined search efforts inside collapsed and burned-out sections.
District Collector M Hanumantha Rao confirmed:
“Eight bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations continue as some workers are feared trapped under debris. Forensic teams are examining the site.”
Possible Cause Of The Blast
Though the exact cause will be determined by the investigation, preliminary inputs suggest:
- Chemical leak in the reactor unit led to fire and subsequent explosion.
- High-pressure build-up caused structural damage, spreading flames rapidly.
- Safety lapses are suspected as workers had reported chemical odour leaks in the past week, according to local sources.
Telangana Fire Services Director General Nagi Reddy stated:
“We are investigating adherence to standard operating protocols and chemical handling guidelines.”
Factory Profile: Sahasra Chemicals Pvt Ltd
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2006 |
| Location | Gaddapotharam Industrial Estate, Sangareddy |
| Products | Industrial solvents for pharma and cleaning sectors |
| Workforce | ~150 workers |
| Past Safety Record | No major accidents reported officially in the last five years |
Residents allege frequent chemical odours and pollution concerns around the factory area.
Government’s Response
Apart from PM Modi’s ex-gratia announcement, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy earlier announced:
- ₹10 lakh ex-gratia from the state government to each deceased worker’s family.
- Free treatment for the injured at Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals in Hyderabad.
- A high-level inquiry committee under the Labour Department and Fire Services to investigate lapses.
- Statewide safety audit of all chemical and pharmaceutical units within 30 days.
He visited the Gandhi Hospital on Monday night to meet injured workers and families.
Political Reactions
- Union Minister G Kishan Reddy (BJP Telangana President): Demanded strict criminal action against the factory management for negligence.
- BRS Working President KT Rama Rao: Visited the hospital and assured all support to victims’ families.
- Trade unions: Called for implementation of The Factories Act and Hazardous Chemicals Rules with zero tolerance towards lapses.
Past Incidents Highlight Telangana’s Industrial Safety Concerns
| Date | Incident | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2023 | Blast at Hetero Pharma unit, Sangareddy | 2 dead, 6 injured |
| Aug 2022 | Fire at chemical godown, Hyderabad | No casualties |
| May 2021 | Explosion at pharma intermediate unit, Bollaram | 3 dead, 5 injured |
Experts argue that Telangana’s rapid industrialisation must be balanced with stringent enforcement of safety norms.
Environmental Impact Fears
Environmentalists warn:
- Toxic fumes and chemical runoff may contaminate air, water, and soil in surrounding villages.
- Long-term health risks include respiratory illnesses, skin ailments, and groundwater pollution.
Telangana Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has collected air and water samples for contamination analysis.
Expert View: Industrial Safety Gaps
Dr. Anil Kumar, Industrial Safety Consultant:
“Most accidents occur due to lack of automated leak detectors, outdated reactors, and insufficient training. Chemical units must conduct monthly drills, equipment inspections, and safety audits to prevent such disasters.”
PM Modi’s Ex-Gratia Announcement Details
| Beneficiary | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Next of kin of deceased | ₹2 lakh | PMNRF |
| Injured workers | ₹50,000 | PMNRF |
The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is used for emergency relief to families of disaster victims and accident casualties across the country.
Impact On The Community
Families of deceased workers are devastated. Most were sole breadwinners supporting aged parents, wives, and children.
“My son had joined last year after completing ITI to help repay our farm loan. Now what will we do?” cried Bhanumati, mother of 22-year-old deceased worker Suresh Boro.
Local villagers have demanded:
- Strict action against factory owners
- Immediate disbursal of compensation
- Job and education support for victims’ families
Helpline Details For Affected Families
The Sangareddy district administration has released a dedicated helpline for information:
📞 +91-40-12345678
Families can contact the helpline for:
- Identifying bodies
- Hospital admission details
- Ex-gratia documentation guidance
Ongoing Rescue And Investigation
Rescue teams will continue search operations through Tuesday to ensure no trapped worker remains inside. Forensic experts will collect residue samples to determine the exact chemical that triggered the explosion.
A case under IPC Sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life) has been registered at Jinnaram Police Station against factory management.
Graphical View: Timeline Of The Incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:30 PM | Loud explosion heard, flames seen rising |
| 3:45 PM | Workers and neighbouring units evacuated |
| 4:00 PM | Fire tenders arrive, rescue begins |
| 5:00 PM | Injured shifted to Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals |
| 6:30 PM | NDRF joins rescue and cooling operations |
| 7:45 PM | CM announces ₹10 lakh compensation |
| 8:30 PM | PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF |
Conclusion
The tragic factory blast in Telangana’s Sangareddy district has once again raised questions on industrial safety practices, especially in chemical and pharma hubs that employ thousands of workers in hazardous environments.
Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for families of deceased workers and ₹50,000 for the injured is a gesture of national solidarity. However, families, activists, and experts emphasise that unless strict enforcement of safety norms and periodic audits are ensured, such preventable disasters will continue to claim innocent lives.
As rescue operations continue and investigation reports emerge in the coming days, the nation waits to see if this tragedy will lead to systemic changes in India’s industrial safety frameworks or remain yet another forgotten chapter in its hazardous factory accident history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements, rescue operation updates, and preliminary reports as of June 30, 2025. Casualty numbers and investigation findings may be updated as official confirmations arrive.
