Explosion at Sigachi Pharma Plant in Telangana Claims 42 Lives, Many Trapped

Hyderabad: The death toll in the explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Sangareddy, Telangana, has climbed to 42, with rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the debris. Several workers remain trapped, and the number of casualties could rise further. Scores of others have been seriously injured and are undergoing treatment in local hospitals.

The blast occurred at 9:28 AM on Monday at the Sigachi Pharma company's facility in the Pashmilaram Industrial Estate. The explosion originated in a reactor within the plant during ongoing operations. Approximately 90 employees were inside the facility at the time, many of whom were caught off guard by the sudden blast. The force of the explosion led to the collapse of a major section of the building, sending workers fleeing amid flying debris and thick, choking smoke that quickly spread across the industrial estate.

Emergency services, including firefighters, disaster response teams, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters battled intense flames and dense smoke while teams worked tirelessly to clear rubble and search for survivors. Hospitals in nearby Hyderabad and Sangareddy have been put on high alert to receive and treat the injured, with some patients in critical condition requiring intensive care.

Pashmilaram, known as a significant industrial hub for pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, has seen rapid growth in recent years. This incident has raised urgent questions about industrial safety standards in the region. Experts and labour unions are demanding stricter enforcement of safety regulations, better training for workers, and improved emergency preparedness to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The tragedy has also sparked calls for a thorough review of hazardous chemical handling and storage practices in factories across Telangana and India at large. Authorities are expected to implement tighter inspection regimes and introduce stricter penalties for violations.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and assured full support for the families of the victims. Financial assistance has been announced for the next of kin of those who died, as well as for those hospitalized. An official inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the explosion and to examine whether there were any lapses in safety protocols or regulatory compliance at the plant.