Telangana pharma-factory blast toll rises to 36; rescue operations continue

A reactor explosion and massive fire at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical facility in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, has claimed the lives of 36 people, officials confirmed on July 1.

The toll includes 34 bodies recovered at the blast site and two more fatalities in hospitals as injured workers succumbed to their burns.

The state’s fire services chief, GV Narayana Rao, said debris removal is ongoing to locate any additional victims. Approximately 36 injured workers remain under treatment in hospitals for severe burns and blast trauma.

The explosion occurred between 8:15 am and 9:35 am on June 30 in the plant’s spray-dryer reactor, which processes raw material into powder.

Authorities deployed 11 fire engines, National and State Disaster Response Forces, local fire brigades, and two robotic units to fight the blaze and rescue trapped workers.

The company has suspended operations at the Sangareddy plant for 90 days, citing significant structural damage. DNA teams are working to identify the victims due to the condition of the remains.

A five-member government panel has been constituted to investigate the cause .

Workers said the blast’s tremor was felt up to 2 km away, completely leveling the spray-dryer unit structure .