HYDERABAD: The police suspect negligence on the part of IDL Chemicals company officials and inadequate safety measures as reasons for the blasts.

“There were two blasts. The first detonator exploded due to mishandling, and the blast wave caused the second huge blast that triggered nearly a thousand detonators,” said Hyderabad Clues team Dr. Venkanna.

The usual process of diffusing a detonator is by cutting a wire, and putting it in water manually. Experts say the safe way to do is by using machines. However, the company chose to do it using manpower.

P. Amar, 22, a native of Hanmakonda Warangal, and Sravan, 23, a native RK Puram, Neredmet, died on the spot while the condition of three others is critical as they suffered grievous burns. The fire that started following the blast razed one part of the dumping unit.

Two fire tenders from Jeedimetla and Kukatpally were called in to put out the blaze. “It is premature to state how the explosion occurred or the reason behind it.

However, we suspect that the employees were defusing the detonators in this unit. Negligence must have caused the accident,” said Madhapur Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Karthikeya.

Fire department officials, who visited the spot said a major mishap was avoided as the blaze was brought under control within half an hour after the blast. If the fire had spread to other units, there would have been huge casualties.

“The fire was controlled using water and fumes. The first fire tender came to the spot within 10 minutes, which helped us to get the fire under control soon,” said Fire official Mr M.A. Fazal.

Cyberabad police have initiated a probe into the incident. Senior officials said that there were blasts in previous years and the negligence of the management would be probed. Allegations of inadequate safety measures would also be investigated. Kukatpally police have issued an FIR in the matter.

The six critically injured persons are Surender Reddy, 24, Abdul Saleem, 59, Krishna Swamy, 59, Muthyal Rao, 56, Mahathma, 60 and Mahadevan Reddy, 61. The other injured victims are Purushotham, Mr Lakshman, 28, M. Raju, 35, Mallesh, 48, Mr Ramulu, Mr B. Prakash, 25, and Mr Rakesh, 26.