A devastating explosion at the Sigachi Industries chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana, India, has resulted in a mounting death toll, reaching at least 36, with concerns it may rise further as rescue operations continue. The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 30, 2025, has prompted investigations and raised serious questions about safety standards within the Indian chemical sector.
The explosion, suspected to have originated from a reactor unit, triggered a massive blast and fire that caused extensive damage to the facility. The force of the explosion was so intense that it reportedly blew the industrial shed apart, with workers being thrown as far as 100 meters away. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Telangana Fire Disaster Response teams, are working to clear the debris and recover any remaining bodies.
As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 39 fatalities had been confirmed. Thirty-four others were injured in the incident. Many of the victims were trapped under the collapsed production unit. Twenty-five of the deceased have yet to be identified.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced compensation for the victims and their families. Immediate relief of ₹1 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, and ₹50,000 to the injured. The government will also provide compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased workers and ₹ 10 lakh to those injured.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. The district police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and are investigating under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
The management of Sigachi Industries is facing serious accusations, with charges of culpable homicide being filed against them. The incident has led to increased scrutiny of industrial safety regulations and their enforcement in India. Experts have pointed out the need for regular third-party safety audits, modern fire suppression systems, and better compartmentalization in chemical plants. Concerns have also been raised about older facilities and the necessity of relocating hazardous units away from residential areas.
Sigachi Industries has shut down the plant for 90 days due to the extensive damage to equipment and structures. The company, which supplies microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and specialty chemical sectors, has stated that the facility is fully insured and claims are being initiated.
This incident marks the deadliest industrial accident in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh's history, surpassing previous fatal explosions in chemical and pharma manufacturing units. It has renewed calls for stricter safety measures and greater accountability within the chemical industry to prevent such tragedies in the future.
