The death toll has risen to 36 following a devastating explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana. The incident occurred on Monday, June 30, 2025, in an industrial area approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital.
The state's fire services director, G.V. Narayana Rao, reported that the fire department recovered the charred remains of 34 workers from the site. Tragically, two more workers succumbed to their burn injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to 36. Around three dozen individuals sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized.
The pharmaceutical unit belonged to Sigachi Industries. According to the company's website, Sigachi Industries Limited deals with active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. The company has five manufacturing facilities across India and subsidiaries in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.
According to G.V. Narayana Rao, the explosion originated in the factory's spray dryer unit, which processes raw materials into fine powder for drug manufacturing. Y. Nagi Reddy, Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, stated that industrial experts are investigating whether a pressure buildup during the drying or handling process caused the explosion. Another report suggests the possibility of a pressure build-up in the air-handling line.
The impact of the explosion caused a structural collapse of the factory building, trapping many workers under the debris. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, and efforts are underway to clear the debris and determine if additional workers remain trapped.
Authorities are working to identify the deceased, but the process is challenging due to the severe burns and mutilation of the bodies. A special medical team has been deployed to conduct DNA tests to aid in identification.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of 200,000 Indian rupees ($2,333) to the families of the deceased.
This incident highlights the critical need for stringent safety protocols and robust regulatory oversight in India's pharmaceutical industry. The state government has established a panel to investigate the explosion's cause. India is a major hub for pharmaceutical production, and industrial accidents involving chemical reactors are not uncommon, underscoring the importance of preventative measures.
