Sangareddy (Telangana) [India], June 30: A powerful explosion at Sigachi Pharma, a chemical manufacturing unit in the Pasamailaram Phase 1 area of Telangana’s Sangareddy district, claimed at least eight lives and left 26 others injured on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
The blast occurred between 8:15 and 9:35 AM, with local police receiving an alert within 10 minutes. Inspector General V. Satyanarayana stated that police teams, 10 fire engines, and rescue units from NDRF and SDF reached the site promptly.
“There were around 150 workers in the shift, with 90 in the blast-affected area. So far, six bodies were recovered from the site, and two more victims succumbed to injuries during treatment at Chanda Nagar,” Satyanarayana said. Two to three individuals remain in critical condition, and firefighting and rescue operations are still underway.
Government officials have assured all possible medical assistance to the injured. The factory site remains under active response, with search teams continuing to comb through the rubble.
The explosion sparked political and public outrage. BJP MLA Payal Shankar demanded an immediate investigation, questioning whether safety protocols were properly followed. “The state government must ensure proper treatment for the injured. Who is accountable for this? If such an explosion happens in a more crowded location, the losses would be unimaginable,” he said.
Minister Damodar Raja Narsimha also visited the site, assessing the situation and rescue efforts firsthand.
Telangana Fire Department confirmed that 11 fire tenders were dispatched to control the flames and assist in rescue efforts. Earlier estimates had suggested 15–20 injuries, which have since been updated as the situation unfolded.
Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj noted earlier in the day that bodies had yet to be recovered, but later updates confirmed the fatalities. “Rescue operations are ongoing, and updates will follow,” he added.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough inquiry into the cause of the explosion, particularly focusing on safety measures and possible negligence at the chemical plant.