Telangana: Two killed in reactor blast at pharma unit in Yadadri

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Two people were killed and several others were seriously injured after a reactor exploded and triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical unit in Telangana's Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district late on Friday night, officials said on Saturday.

The incident took place at Hazelo Lab Private Limited, a pharmaceutical unit located near Dothigudem in Pochampally mandal. According to police, the blast occurred when workers were changing shifts at the facility.

The reactor explosion resulted in a fire inside the unit, prompting an immediate response from the police, fire department and rescue personnel. Teams reached the site after receiving information about the incident and began efforts to rescue workers trapped or affected by the blast.

Several injured workers were evacuated from the premises and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Despite the rescue efforts, two employees were declared dead by doctors.

Fire officials worked to contain the blaze triggered by the reactor explosion and eventually brought the situation under control. Authorities are now examining the circumstances surrounding the industrial accident.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and launched an investigation to establish what led to the reactor blast. The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, and officials are examining the equipment, working conditions and events preceding the accident. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

Similar incident of industrial blast in Jharkhand

In a separate incident in Jharkhand, three engineers were killed and another person was injured following an explosion at a sponge-iron factory in Ramgarh district late on Friday.

The blast occurred at Maa Chhinnamastika Cement and Ispat Private Limited, a sponge-iron manufacturing unit located in Hehal under Patratu block.

According to officials, the incident took place during production activity at the factory's power plant, causing panic among workers present during the night shift.

Police and fire department personnel were alerted following the explosion and rushed to the factory. Rescue teams began evacuating workers from the premises and bringing the situation under control.

Officials said some workers were trapped inside the factory after the incident. Rescue personnel managed to reach them, although three engineers died in the accident. Another person who was injured was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Overheating at the plant could have triggered the explosion

The factory management has suggested that overheating at the plant could have triggered the explosion. However, authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion on the cause.

Investigations into the Jharkhand incident are also underway, with officials examining the circumstances surrounding the blast and the safety conditions at the facility.

The two separate industrial accidents in Telangana and Jharkhand have raised concerns over workplace safety at manufacturing and industrial units.

Authorities are continuing their investigations, with further details expected once the circumstances behind both explosions are established.

(With inputs from IANS)