Aftermath of the Telangana factory explosion: smoke, destruction, and loss etched across the industrial zone. Photo Credit: The Hindu
Marking one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent years. The catastrophic blast occurred on the morning of June 30, 2025, at the Sigachi Industries chemical plant located in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district. The explosion, which tore through the facility’s reactor unit, left 42 workers dead and over 30 others critically injured, raising urgent concerns about safety lapses in India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Initial Explosion & Rescue Response
At approximately 9:20 am, a powerful blast erupted in a spray-dryer reactor at the plant in the Pashamylaram industrial area, approximately 50 km northwest of Hyderabad. The force of the explosion blew off roofs, collapsed structures, and hurled workers up to 100 metres away. With around 90–150 people present at the time, the scene quickly turned chaotic.
According to initial reports, 34 charred bodies were recovered from the site, while two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the early confirmed toll to 36 fatalities. However, as rescue operations continued into the next day, the death toll rose to 42, as reported by Hindustan Times, citing the recovery of additional bodies from the debris. Meanwhile, over 34 workers were injured, with at least a dozen in critical condition and receiving treatment at hospitals in Patancheru, Isnapur, and Chandanagar. Many of the injured sustained severe burns and trauma, making their recovery particularly challenging.
Plant Shutdown & Investigation Underway
Sigachi Industries temporarily suspended production at the Hyderabad facility for 90 days, citing damaged equipment and structures. Authorities have launched investigations into potential pressure build-up or handling errors during the dried-material processing. Police and local leaders have demanded a full probe to enforce accountability and ensure such incidents don’t recur.
Relief Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, offering an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each for the injured. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced identical compensation for victims from his state, along with arrangements to transport bodies home. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy assured affected families of full support and quality medical care.
Economic Fallout
Share prices of Sigachi Industries took a severe hit, plunging nearly 15% on the Bombay Stock Exchange following the incident. The halt in production from one of its three pharmaceutical facilities significantly impacted the company’s quarterly output and revenue.
Safety Concerns & Larger Implications
The blast has reignited debate over industrial safety standards in India’s pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, long plagued by fatal accidents. Experts say the incident highlights critical gaps in emergency preparedness, reactor safety protocols, and worker training. Local labour unions are advocating stricter implementation of safety norms and regular audits.
Moving Forward: Cleanup & Justice
Rescue units continue combing debris for any missing workers. With nearly 200 personnel, including robot-assisted efforts, at the site, search operations remain ongoing. Authorities have pledged a thorough inquiry and regulatory review to prevent future tragedies.
The Telangana factory blast toll has emerged as a brutal wake-up call—exposing weaknesses in industrial safety and oversight. While the immediate focus remains on saving lives and bringing relief, long-term reforms are imperative. As the Pashamylaram community mourns, the nation must demand and enforce safer working environments.
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