A devastating explosion and subsequent fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana has killed at least 36 people and injured dozens more. The incident occurred on Monday, June 30, 2025, at a facility operated by Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram, an industrial area approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital.
The explosion reportedly took place in the plant's spray dryer unit, which is used to convert raw materials into powder for drug manufacturing. The intensity of the blast caused the entire structure of the factory to collapse, trapping many workers inside. Witnesses reported hearing the explosion from several kilometers away.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and rescue those trapped in the debris. As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, authorities had recovered 34 bodies from the site, while two more workers succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Approximately 36 injured workers are receiving treatment in local hospitals. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Due to the severity of the burns and mutilation of the bodies, a specialized medical team has been deployed to conduct DNA tests to identify the deceased.
Telangana's Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha stated that there were 108 workers inside the factory at the time of the explosion. Police officials, however, reported that over 140 people were working in the plant when the incident occurred.
The state government has formed a panel to investigate the cause of the disaster. Sigachi Industries has halted operations at the plant for 90 days due to the extensive damage to its core manufacturing infrastructure. The company produces microcrystalline cellulose, a chemical compound commonly used in making drugs.
In response to the tragedy, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to provide compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) to the families of the deceased workers and ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) to those injured. The district administration is also providing immediate relief of ₹1 lakh to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and announced financial support of ₹2 lakhs each to the next of kin.
The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in India's rapidly growing pharmaceutical sector. India is a major hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, producing generic medicines and vaccines for global supply. Industrial accidents, particularly those involving chemical reactors, are not uncommon in the country, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the explosion and are conducting an investigation.
