Seven workers were injured, three of them critically, police said.
The blaze erupted around 6.30 am likely due to a reactor blast, and swiftly spread to an adjacent chemical factory, fire brigade officials said. Plumes of thick, black smoke shot up from the two premises.
Eight fire engines and four water tankers were rushed to the site of the blaze, which was extinguished in 90 minutes. Firemen warned the city was sitting on a tinder box and unless chemical factories are stopped from setting up shop without fire-safety norms, a big tragedy was waiting to happen.
Pharma factories not only pollute water and ground, but are also vulnerable to fire. Living in this area has become dangerous for us. These factories are emitting smoke almost 24 hours. There have been fire incidents earlier too, so we want these companies to be relocated,” said Durga Rao, another resident.
“Initially the fire took place at Seutic Pharma Private Limited in Subhash Nagar and spread to another chemical factory, Vijayasri Pharma. It happened when four workers were unloading two chemical tanks from two trucks at the pharma unit,” said GV Prasad, assistant district fire officer of Ranga Reddy district
According to officials, sparks flew while unloading chemicals from tanks, triggering the blaze. The seven injured workers were shifted to a private hospital. “Two workers suffered 90% burns and are critical. One of them sustained 80% burns, the other two sustained 40% injuries. They have been shifted to Apollo DRDO Hospital in Kanchanbagh,” said Shanker Reddy, inspector Jeddimetla police station.
“We rescued nearly 30 workers trapped inside Seutic Pharma. However, there are no casualties. Following the incident, a case was registered against Seutic Pharma under Section 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of IPC.