John AdoyiAt least 12 people have been killed and 34 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through Sigachi Industries, a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the Sangareddy district of Telangana, southern India, on Monday morning, The Times of India reported.
The blast, which occurred at around 9:30 am local time, reduced the plant’s three-storey building to rubble and left workers trapped beneath the debris.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Telangana Fire Services Director General Y. Nagi Reddy, initial findings suggest the explosion originated in the drying unit, likely caused by a pressure build-up during the chemical handling process.
Emergency crews recovered the charred bodies of 10 workers from near the blast site, while two others died of severe burns in the hospital. Of the 34 injured, 12 are reported to be in critical condition and on ventilator support, said Telangana Labour Minister M. Venkatswamy. Many are suffering from serious respiratory complications resulting from burn injuries.
Around 90 people were on duty at the time of the incident. Rescue operations remain ongoing as officials continue clearing the wreckage to ensure no one is left trapped. Sigachi Industries Limited has issued a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of life and pledging full support to the affected families.
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Sigachi Industries is an Indian pharmaceutical company that manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. It operates five production sites across India and has subsidiaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Although large-scale industrial accidents are relatively uncommon in India’s regulated pharmaceutical sector, the Sigachi tragedy highlights persistent safety concerns. Over the past year, major fires and explosions, including the August 2024 Escientia plant blast in Andhra Pradesh that claimed 17 lives, have drawn scrutiny. Other incidents in Thane (May 2024), Hapur (June 2022), and Pune (June 2021) have also resulted in multiple casualties.
Analysts warn that the handling of solvent-based processes and the use of drying equipment present significant hazards and are calling for stricter regulatory enforcement, rigorous safety audits, and improved emergency preparedness across India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing corridors.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the Sangareddy explosion.
