Explosion at Sigachi Pharma Plant Kills 39, Sparks National Safety Review
Sangareddy, Telangana- June 30, 2025: A deadly explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical plant in the Pashamylaram industrial estate killed at least 39 workers and injured 34. The blast, originating in the spray dryer unit used for manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose, collapsed the four-storey building within seconds while over 140 employees were inside.
Emergency responders, including NDRF and Telangana Fire Services, continue search-and-rescue operations with 17 people still missing. Many victims were severely burned, requiring DNA identification.
Investigators suspect equipment failure and pressure buildup, worsened by accumulated chemical dust, as possible causes. A five-member state panel is probing the incident.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ordered safety audits across chemical processing facilities. The explosion is being called one of the worst industrial disasters in Telangana’s recent history.
Sigachi halted production for 90 days, and its shares dropped 8–15% after trading was suspended on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The Indian government announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledging additional support.
The tragedy has renewed urgent calls for stricter industrial safety enforcement in India’s pharma and chemical sectors.
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