In one of the deadliest industrial disasters in recent times, a powerful explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Telangana’s Sangareddy district has claimed at least 42 lives and left several others critically injured. The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning at around 9:20 AM at Sigachi Industries Ltd’s production facility located in Phase-1 of the Pashamylaram industrial estate, sending shockwaves through the region and raising serious concerns about industrial safety.
The Incident: A Reactor Explosion with Devastating Consequences
According to officials, the explosion was triggered within the reactor unit of Sigachi Industries, a reputed manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), food ingredients, cosmetic products, and pharma excipients. The blast completely obliterated the industrial shed, and such was its intensity that some workers were thrown nearly 100 metres into the air, as per eyewitness accounts.
The building housing the reactor collapsed entirely, while adjacent structures suffered partial damage. Authorities suspect the explosion resulted from a chemical reaction or an uncontrolled buildup of pressure during the drying or handling process. The exact cause, however, remains under investigation.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Initially, 12 fatalities were reported on Monday. However, by Tuesday morning, the death toll surged to 34, eventually rising to 42 as more bodies were recovered from beneath the rubble. Many bodies were charred beyond recognition, with only three positively identified. Authorities anticipate that DNA profiling will be required to establish the identities of at least half a dozen victims.
More than 90 employees were on duty at the time of the blast. While many managed to escape, others were trapped under the collapsed building. As of the latest update, 34 people are undergoing treatment at private hospitals in Patancheru, Isnapur, and Chandanagar. Of these, 12 are in intensive care, with severe burns covering 70% to 80% of their bodies.
Rescue efforts have involved a massive deployment of emergency services. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), and local fire brigades (including 11 fire tenders) worked through the day and night to clear debris and search for survivors.
Director General of Fire Services Y. Nagi Reddy explained that debris removal from the three-storey collapsed building is still ongoing and that industrial experts suspect pressure build-up during a drying process could have triggered the catastrophic chain reaction.
Officials Rush to the Scene, Inquiry Ordered
State health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha and labour minister Gaddam Vivek rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion to oversee the ongoing rescue operations. Accompanied by senior officials, they monitored emergency response measures and visited hospitals where the injured were being treated.
Minister Vivek informed the press that not only was the physical infrastructure of the plant gutted, but even critical staff records had been destroyed in the fire. He also confirmed that an official probe has been ordered to determine the precise cause of the blast.
Sangareddy district collector P. Pravinya and Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj were also present at the site to supervise and coordinate relief efforts. SP Pankaj later told the press that the final leg of rescue operations is still underway, with concerns that more bodies may be found under the remaining debris.
Sigachi Industries Responds to the Tragedy
In a statement released on Monday evening, Sigachi Industries confirmed that all operations at the affected Hyderabad unit would remain suspended for 90 days to allow for equipment restoration and infrastructure repair. The Hyderabad facility alone contributes about 6,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of MCC to the company's total production capacity of 21,700 MTPA, with the rest coming from two other units in Gujarat.
The company acknowledged significant damage to ancillary equipment and civil structures. “While the exact number of injured is currently being confirmed, the well-being of our personnel remains our foremost priority,” the company said, adding that a comprehensive on-ground assessment was ongoing and that full cooperation with investigating authorities would be extended.
Widespread Panic and Public Anguish
Thick smoke from the explosion spread rapidly throughout the plant and surrounding areas, causing breathing difficulties among residents and workers. Authorities began evacuating people from nearby areas as a precautionary measure.
Outside the factory, chaos unfolded as families of the trapped and deceased workers gathered in distress, desperate for information. Many tried to force their way into the premises, leading to tense scuffles with the police. One distraught woman, trying to reach her husband who was on the morning shift, said his phone had been switched off since the blast, and she had no information about his whereabouts.
Condolences and Compensation Announcements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep anguish over the tragic loss of life. In a statement on social media, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased person, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also expressed grief over the incident. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and spoke directly to the Principal Secretary of Labour, Employment, Training, and Factories, M. Dan Kishore, directing immediate and comprehensive assistance to all victims.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and affirmed that the government would fully support the families of those affected. He instructed authorities to ensure the injured received the best possible medical care and is expected to visit the blast site to review the situation personally.
A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Safety
The Telangana chemical factory explosion has not only resulted in significant loss of life and property but has also raised urgent concerns about safety protocols in industrial plants. As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to accountability, preventive measures, and ensuring such devastating incidents are not repeated.
While families mourn their loss and survivors battle for their lives, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent safety audits, modernized equipment, and swift response mechanisms in India's burgeoning industrial landscape.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
