2 Killed, 9 Injured in Reactor Blast at Hazelo Pharma in Dothigudem

Two workers were killed and nine others suffered injuries after a chemical reactor exploded at the Hazelo Pharma manufacturing unit in Dothigudem, Bhoodan Pochampally mandal of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, triggering a massive fire on Friday night.

Police identified the deceased workers as 31-year-old Ch Nagi Reddy, from Chinnagudem village in Peddavoora mandal, and 29-year-old N Naresh Kumar, of Chodaram in Khammam district. The nine injured workers were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical care.

The loud explosion caused widespread panic, sending residents from the neighbouring villages of Dothigudem and Anthammagudem rushing out of their homes. Police and fire services personnel reached the plant after receiving information and launched rescue operations. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control.

Preliminary assessments by officials suggest that the mixing of different chemicals inside the unit may have triggered the reactor explosion. The Bhoodan Pochampally police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Following the fatal accident, the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) ordered the immediate closure of Hazelo Lab Private Limited, formerly known as Venlar Labs. The board cited non-compliance, environmental violations, and the fatal blast as reasons for issuing the shutdown order.

Inspections conducted on Friday uncovered structural damage at the plant, chemical spillages, contaminated wastewater runoff, and unresolved complaints regarding odours. The regulatory board warned the management of penalties, including fines and up to six years of imprisonment, for any attempt to restart operations.