Telangana Pharma Unit Shut After Chloroform Leak Kills Two Employees
Sangareddy: Two employees of Saraca Laboratories Limited died after allegedly inhaling chloroform vapours that leaked during a manufacturing process at the company's facility in the Gaddapotharam industrial area of Jinnaram mandal in Sangareddy district, Telangana, late on Thursday. Following the incident, the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) ordered the immediate closure of the pharmaceutical unit on Friday and directed the disconnection of its electricity supply.
The deceased were identified as Sudharshan Rao, 44, and Balaji, 27, both natives of Andhra Pradesh. One of the employees was working as a chemist, while the other was employed as a supervisor at the facility.
According to the TGPCB, the incident occurred at around 11.30 p.m. on Thursday during a layer separation process in Production Block-2. The leak reportedly took place while chloroform was being transferred from a reactor located on the first floor to a receiver on the ground floor. The chemical vapours spread rapidly through the production area, exposing the two employees.
Both workers reportedly lost consciousness following exposure to the vapours and were immediately shifted to Narayana Hospital for treatment. However, the duty doctor declared them dead upon arrival. The hospital subsequently informed the police about the incident.
Following the deaths, TGPCB officials inspected the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility on Friday to examine the circumstances surrounding the leak. During the inspection, officials obtained details from the company's general manager and deputy general manager regarding the incident and the production process underway when the leak occurred. Company representatives reportedly explained the circumstances leading to the incident and provided technical details of the manufacturing operation.
Considering the seriousness of the incident and the deaths of the two employees, the TGPCB issued closure orders without providing the company an opportunity for a hearing beforehand. The Board also directed officials of the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) in Sangareddy to disconnect the electricity supply to the unit, reports The Hindu.
