Tragedy Strikes: Chemical Factory Blast Claims 12 Lives in Telangana

The death toll from a harrowing explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana's Sangareddy district has climbed to 12, following the recovery of four additional bodies by rescue teams. State Minister Vivek Venkatswamy confirmed the grim update and expressed condolences at the scene of the tragedy, visited by multiple government officials.

Addressing the press, Minister Venkatswamy clarified that the incident, initially reported as a reactor blast, was not due to reactor malfunction. "Out of the 63 workers present during the explosion, 12 remain in critical condition receiving urgent medical attention," he highlighted. The factory in-charge is among the deceased, significantly impacting the investigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident, announcing financial compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for victims' families and the injured. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also extended his sympathies, underscoring ongoing state-led rescue and relief operations to aid those affected by this devastating incident. Both leaders reassured continuous support for the grieving families.

(With inputs from agencies.)