Catastrophe in an Indian chemical factory: At least twelve fatalities reported following a devastating explosion
In the industrial area near Hyderabad, India, a tragic incident unfolded on the morning of June 30, 2025, when a chemical factory owned by Sigachi Industries Limited experienced an explosion. The German news agency dpa reported the incident, citing local sources, and confirmed that the blast occurred around 9 am in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, Telangana.
The explosion in the reactor unit of Sigachi Chemicals, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends, led to a massive fire that engulfed the factory premises and caused the three-storey manufacturing unit building to collapse. Adjoining buildings were also affected by the flames.
The casualties were severe, with at least 12 people confirmed dead, including the factory manager. Over 34 others were injured, with several in critical condition, and 12 injured workers were reported to be on ventilator support due to severe respiratory damage. Among the victims, many were migrant workers from various states such as Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with police, fire services, State Disaster Response Force, and Hyderabad Disaster Response teams deployed. Earthmovers are being used to clear debris to rescue any workers potentially trapped under the rubble.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though it was confirmed to be a blast in the spray dryer unit, which processes raw material into fine powder for drug manufacturing. The Indian government has set up a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the explosion.
The company involved, Sigachi Industries Limited, is about 40-45 years old and operates multiple manufacturing facilities across India, as well as subsidiaries abroad. The accident has raised concerns over safety protocols in the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industry in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial aid for the victims' families. The Indian government has also promised to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The fire caused by the explosion is now under control, according to the latest reports. The German news agency dpa reports that the fire department is still working to extinguish the remaining flames.
The health minister of the affected state of Telangana, Damodar Rajanarsimha, has made a statement regarding the explosion. He confirmed that the number of injured workers has increased to over 50, including those seriously hurt. The health minister expressed his concern for the well-being of the injured and promised to provide necessary medical care.
The local newspaper "Deccan Chronicle" reports that the explosion may have been caused by a chemical reaction in one of the factory's reactors. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The explosion in the chemical plant, a Sigachi Industries Limited subsidiary in India's pharmaceutical industry, led to over 50 casualties, including at least 12 deaths and many critically injured. The Indian government, concerned about safety in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident in the Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, Telangana.
