At least eight people died and 26 were injured in a reactor blast at a chemical factory in Sangareddy district of Telangana on Monday.

The incident took place between duty hours at Sigachi Chemicals in Pashamylaram industrial area. According to sources, there were a total of 61 people in the building when the blast took place, and several are still trapped inside.

“Some of those among the rescued are critically injured. We have not ascertained how many people are trapped inside,” a police source said.

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Fire Department officials said 11 fire tenders were sent to the spot for rescue and relief operation. “The fire fighting operation is underway and there are people still trapped in the building,” a district administration official said.

The ruling Congress government issued a statement expressing “deep shock over the massive fire accident that occurred”.

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“Heartfelt condolences to the family members of the workers who lost their lives. Deeply saddened by the condition of injured workers who remain critical,” Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud said.

BJP state president G Kishan Reddy said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the fire accident… My heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. The government of India stands in solidarity with those affected by this incident and will provide financial assistance to the bereaved families.”

Telangana’s Opposition leader and BRS working president K T Rama Rao said, “The reactor blast at Patancheru’s Pasamailaram Industrial Area is extremely tragic. I urge the authorities to immediately rescue the workers trapped at the accident site. Please ensure that all the injured receive the best of the medical care. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. Safety audits are a must for all the industrial units and I demand the Govt to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident.”