Hyderabad: Five persons died and many were injured in an explosion at South Glass Industry at Burgula in Farnooq nagar, Shadnagar, on Friday evening.
The incident took place at the factory’s furnace 5.45 pm, police said. According to a preliminary investigation, explosion was caused by compressor gases. The powerful blast ignited a fire, which quickly spread through the section, trapping workers.
According to the company’s website, the firm manufactures automotive and architectural glass.
"We received a distress call at around 5.45 pm and dispatched our teams. On arrival, the scene was chaotic,” said sub-inspector Sharath of the Shadnagar police. About 15 workers were present at the site of the blast, though the plant employs about 50 personnel.
The security guard, who was about 50 metres away from the blast site, said: “I heard a loud bang and saw smoke billowing from the building. I could not hear anything after the sound. I was terrified. We went running to the spot only to see bodies of victims.”
Another witness, Suresh, added, "It was terrifying. The ground shook, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of burning chemicals."
The deceased have been identified as Chittaranjan, 25, Ramprakash, 45, Ravi Kant, 25, Roshan, 36, and Niket, 22, all from Bihar. Among the injured, several are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Families of the victims gathered at the hospital premises, anxiously awaiting updates of their loved ones.
Shamshabad DCP B. Rajesh inspected the site and said that a case will be registered against those responsible for the incident, and the manager on duty will be detained.
"We come here to earn a living, but now we fear for our lives," said a worker in the same industrial zone, adding that safety measures need to be improved as our lives are at stake.
Shadnagar fire officer P. Jagan said: “We have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary findings say that the compressor glass in the furnace section malfunctioned, leading to the blast. We are also looking into whether there were lapses in safety protocols." He said.
The state government has promised to support the affected families. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is in New Delhi, expressed his shock over the incident and directed officials to ensure treatment for the injured. Revenue, police, fire department, labour, industries and medical teams remained at the scene and the Chief Minister directed officials to intensify the relief efforts.
District collector K. Shanshanka visited the site and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and financial assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and the injured.
