A devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in southern India has claimed the lives of at least 34 workers, with dozens more injured or missing, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The blast occurred Monday morning at a Sigachi Industries unit in the Pashamylaram industrial zone of Telangana’s Sangareddy district. Authorities say the explosion, which triggered a massive fire and building collapse, happened during routine operations involving microcrystalline cellulose, a chemical used in pharmaceuticals and food products.
“As many as 31 bodies have been extricated from the debris while three died in hospital while undergoing treatment,” said senior police official Paritosh Pankaj.
Preliminary investigations suggest that pressure buildup in a spray dryer may have caused the explosion, with fine chemical dust accelerating the fire’s spread. Approximately 60 workers were inside the facility at the time, many of them migrant laborers from states including Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
At least 25 people were hospitalized with burns and respiratory injuries after inhaling toxic fumes. Rescue teams are still combing through the rubble, with officials warning that more victims may be found. “Only after the debris is fully cleared can we confirm if any more bodies remain,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of Telangana’s fire disaster response.
Police have registered a case against Sigachi Industries’ management following a complaint by a victim’s family member. The company has suspended operations at the site for 90 days, citing structural damage and ongoing investigations.
The Telangana state government expressed “deep shock” and pledged compensation for victims’ families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences and announced ₹200,000 ($2,336) for each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The incident has reignited concerns over industrial safety standards in India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sector. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the cause and recommend preventive measures.
As rescue efforts continue, the tragedy stands as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent years in Telangana, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety enforcement and worker protections.
