Two Workers Killed, Six Injured in Reactor Blast at Hazelo Pharma in Yadadri

Two workers died and six others sustained injuries after a reactor blast occurred at the Hazelo Pharma manufacturing unit in Donthigudem, located in Bhoodan Pochampally mandal of Yadadri Bhongir district, late Friday night.

The deceased workers were identified as Rajashekar and Nagaraju. Both succumbed to their burn and blast injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital. The six injured personnel were shifted to a private hospital in Hyderabad, where the medical condition of two workers is reported to be critical.

Local residents who heard the loud blast and observed thick flames erupting from the facility immediately alerted the local authorities. The company’s in-house fire engines initially attempted to douse the fire before emergency teams reached the scene.

Police and fire services personnel arrived at the factory shortly after the alert. Multiple fire engines were pressed into service to battle the blaze and bring the fire under control.

Friday night's blast marks the second fatal mishap at the facility in recent months. On July 16, an employee identified as Krishna Reddy, a native of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, died at the same industrial unit following the release of poisonous gas from a reactor.

Surrounding residents expressed serious concern and anger over the recurring industrial accidents at the plant within a span of three months. Locals alleged that despite prior incidents, authorities have failed to enforce strict safety protocols at the pharma facility. They have called on officials to conduct a thorough inspection of the plant and initiate strict action against those responsible for safety lapses.