By Sulagna Halder
Hyderabad, 1 July 2025:
Officials confirmed Tuesday that 35 people have died as a result of the devastating explosion at the pharmaceutical plant owned by Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram, Medak district, Telangana.
The multi story building collapsed catastrophically as a result of a blast that happened on June 30 in the factory's spray dryer unit, which turns raw materials into fine powder. According to fire services director G. V. Narayana Rao, 31 burned bodies were recovered from the wreckage, and three more people passed away from their wounds at local hospitals.
At the time of the incident, there were about 108 employees inside the plant. Teams are still clearing debris in an attempt to find any more victims as part of the ongoing rescue efforts. "We hope to finish removing the debris in the next few hours," Mr. Rao stated, adding that many of the bodies were badly burned or disfigured and needed to be identified using DNA tests. Families in the area have been greatly impacted by the collapse. The deceased, many of whom were breadwinners, were identified by distraught relatives outside the Patancheru government hospital.
On Tuesday, the site was visited by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his cabinet. He was informed that while the remaining bodies are awaiting DNA profiling, nine bodies have been positively identified thus far. At least five of the dozens of injured who were admitted had severe burns, according to reports from Pranaam and Dhruva hospitals. The cause of the explosion, which is thought to have been caused by a chemical reaction, will be investigated by a five member government panel. Authorities have warned that as debris is cleared, the number could increase. Sigachi Industries promised complete cooperation with authorities and suspended plant operations for ninety days. Market reaction was prompt: after the accident, the company's shares fell by almost 8% to 10%.
At the location, emergency services such as police, fire, disaster response, and National Disaster Response Force teams are actively involved. Families who have been impacted are demanding compensation, and activists have called for prompt action to address any safety violations. Concerns about industrial safety in Indian chemical and pharmaceutical factories have been rekindled by the incident. Investigators are gathering worker statements, digital logs, and examining safety procedures and structural integrity.
The government has committed to ensuring accountability and accelerating the investigation. Rescue crews keep up their efforts while the state laments the significant death toll.
