A devastating explosion at the Sigachi Industries Limited pharmaceutical factory in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Sangareddy district, Telangana, has claimed the lives of at least 42 people. The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 30, 2025, has prompted a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
The explosion, suspected to have been triggered by a chemical reaction, occurred in the morning hours, between 8:15 am and 9:35 am. The force of the blast was immense, causing the industrial shed to collapse completely. Workers were thrown several feet, and a massive fire broke out, requiring a large-scale emergency response.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), local fire personnel, and police. Two fire-fighting robots were also deployed to assist in the efforts. The intensity of the blast and the subsequent fire hampered rescue efforts, and it took until Tuesday to recover most of the bodies from the debris. Authorities are working to identify the victims, with DNA profiling being necessary for some who were charred beyond recognition.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, initial reports suggest a few possibilities. A suspected reactor explosion is considered as one of the potential triggers. Labour Minister G. Vivek stated that, prima facie, it was not a reactor blast. However, other sources indicate that a chemical reaction inside a reactor may have been the cause. Another theory is that a problem in the air dryer system may have led to the explosion and fire. A senior rescue official suggested that pressure building up inside the spray dryer could have been the cause. "Industrial experts are saying that during the drying process, or a handling process, the pressure could have built up, followed by the blasting of the material, which led to the blasting of the entire handling unit as well as the industrial building,” Reddy told reporters.
Government Response and Investigation
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has appointed a high-level committee to investigate the disaster and determine its underlying causes. The committee includes the Chief Secretary, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management), Principal Secretary (Labour), Principal Secretary (Health), and Additional DGP (Fire Services). The panel is also tasked with making recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. The Chief Minister visited the accident site and met with the injured in the hospital. The state government has mobilized all necessary resources to support the rescue and relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Company and Industry Impact
Sigachi Industries Limited manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), which is used in the pharmaceutical industry. The company has temporarily suspended operations at its Sangareddy plant for an estimated period of 90 days due to the extensive damage to its manufacturing infrastructure. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety in the region. Patancheru MLA Mahipal Reddy alleged that the company was operating without following safety protocols. He demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased and employment for the kin of both the injured and those killed.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited to determine the precise cause of the explosion and the factors that contributed to the severity of the incident.
