13 people suffered burn injuries due to the explosion; they were rushed to hospital
Two people were killed and 13 others were injured in an explosion that happened on Monday evening in a shed of the detonators unit of Indian Detonators Ltd Gulf Oil company, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
The police believe some wires were being cut before loading the detonators on to a vehicle when the blast happened. At least two of the injured are in a very serious condition with severe burn injuries.
Cyberabad Police Commissioner CV Anand told NDTV that he would write to the Telangana DGP, chief secretary and the concerned authorities, recommending closure of the unit as it has had a history of accidents, with 13 people dying in 2003, four in 2007, five in 2011 and two in 2013.
After a tour of the facility, he said he found the unit using old technology, following unsafe practices and procedures that were far from safe. Some 700-1000 people working in the unit are casual labour.
The area has been cordoned off as it is believed that even a cellphone could trigger another accident. The factory is more than 60 years old and is located on a 950-acre plot. At the time of its establishment, it was virtually outside the city but is now surrounded by habitation, and could pose a risk. Locals have in the past complained about blasting in the unit causing cracks in the walls of their building etc.
Labour officials will negotiate to ensure compensation to the families of those who died and also those who have been injured. Telangana Home Minister Nayani Narasimha Rao visited the facility after the accident.