The investigation into the devastating factory blast in Telangana is uncovering a disturbing narrative of negligence, potential lapses in regulatory oversight, and ignored safety warnings. The explosion at the Sigachi Industries plant in Pashamylaram, near Hyderabad, on June 30, 2025, resulted in a tragic loss of life, with the death toll currently standing at 36 and fears that it may rise further.
Preliminary investigations suggest a series of malfunctions led to an unchecked increase in heat and pressure within the unit. Sources within Telangana's Department of Factories indicate that the interlocking system, designed to trigger an alarm or cut off heat when it exceeds a safe level, may have malfunctioned. This failure could have allowed temperatures to rise to dangerous levels, leading to the explosion. Investigators are also exploring the possibility of malfunctioning filters that sieve powder, which could have resulted from an instrumentation error. The plant was manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose from wood pulp, a powder used in pharmaceutical capsules. The process of converting the wet product into powder involves increasing heat, which is when the blast occurred.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is the question of whether the factory possessed the necessary Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) and adhered to safety protocols. Initial reports suggest that safety protocols may have been sidestepped. The probe must investigate if Sigachi Chemicals had installed relief vents and fire escapes to protect its employees from harm. The absence of a valid Fire NOC would point to a severe breach of safety regulations, potentially contributing to the severity of the accident. The FIR registered in connection with the blast also raises questions on whether red flags were ignored.
The Telangana government has formed a five-member panel, headed by Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, to investigate the incident, oversee rescue efforts, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The committee's primary task is to fix accountability for the explosion. The panel includes the Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management, the Principal Secretary of the Labour Department, the Health Secretary, and the Additional Director General of Fire Services. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who visited the site, affirmed the government's commitment to identifying those responsible and taking stringent action.
In response to the tragedy, the government has announced compensation for the victims and their families. Chief Minister Reddy has instructed officials to provide compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased and ₹10 lakh to those injured. As immediate relief, officials were directed to provide ₹1 lakh each to the families of the workers who died and ₹50,000 each to the injured.
The incident has also drawn attention from other states. The Bihar government has constituted a special team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast, as two of the deceased workers were from Bihar. This marks the first time a state government has sent an investigation team to another state following the death of migrant workers in an industrial accident. The team will examine whether the explosion resulted from gross negligence by the factory management and will raise any major negligence findings with both the Telangana government and the Centre. The Bihar government has also announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the 16 injured workers.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, regular inspections, and accountability within the chemical industry to prevent such disasters from recurring.
