Yadadri Bhuvanagiri: Two workers were killed and nine others sustained serious injuries after a chemical reactor exploded, triggering a major fire at a pharmaceutical unit in Dothigudem village of Bhoodan Pochampally mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district late Friday night.
According to preliminary information, the fire broke out suddenly following an explosion inside a chemical reactor at the pharma unit. The blast created panic among workers and nearby residents.
Hearing the loud explosion, residents of neighbouring Dothigudem and Anthammagudem villages rushed out of their homes in fear. Police and fire services personnel immediately reached the spot and launched rescue and firefighting operations.
Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control, while police shifted the injured workers to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The condition of the injured workers was reported to be serious.
The incident has triggered concern among local residents and workers’ unions, particularly as they alleged that this was the second major accident at the same unit within three months.
Local residents and labour representatives have raised questions over safety measures at the facility and alleged that lapses in following basic safety protocols may have contributed to the recurring accidents.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the reactor explosion and examine the safety standards being followed at the pharmaceutical unit.