Hyderabad/Sangareddy: A devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Telangana’s Pashamylaram industrial estate has claimed at least 42 lives, with ongoing rescue efforts uncovering more victims amid the rubble. The blast occurred around 9:20 am on Monday at Sigachi Industries Ltd, a major producer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products.
Workers Thrown 100 Metres from the Blast Site
According to Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, approximately 90 employees were on-site during the explosion. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as workers were flung into the air, some landing as far as 100 metres away. Many victims were reportedly migrant labourers from Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.
“The explosion blew up the industrial shed completely,” said the minister.
“The force was so intense that some of the workers were thrown up in the air and landed 100 metres away.”
Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny
Patancheru MLA Mahipal Reddy directly accused the company of flouting safety protocols, alleging the facility was operating without adequate precautions.
“Many people have been injured and have died because of negligence,” Reddy said.
“The management is also suspected of withholding the real casualty numbers.”
What Triggered the Explosion?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest the explosion occurred during air handling/drying operations involving MCC — a highly flammable substance. Y Nagi Reddy, Director General of Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, said the exact number of people still trapped under the collapsed structure remains unknown.
Thick black smoke enveloped the surrounding areas after the explosion, forcing authorities to evacuate nearby residents. Locals reported breathing issues and panic following the blast.
Company Responds, Suspends Production
Sigachi Industries released a statement confirming the incident, adding that production at the Hyderabad facility will be suspended for 90 days to assess and repair the damage.
“The well-being of our personnel remains our foremost priority,” the company said.
“In addition to the human losses, the incident also caused damage to ancillary equipment and civil structures.”
The plant involved produces 6,000 MTPA of MCC — nearly a third of the company’s total 21,700 MTPA capacity, with the rest coming from its two units in Gujarat.
Rescue Efforts and Next Steps
As rescue and fire services continue combing through the wreckage, state authorities have launched a full-scale investigation. Questions are mounting about safety compliance, emergency preparedness, and the handling of hazardous materials.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over industrial safety in India’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector, particularly in Telangana, a key hub for chemical and pharma manufacturing.