Tragic Reactor Blast Rocks Pharmaceutical Plant in Pashamylaram

The death toll from a catastrophic chemical factory explosion in Telangana's Sangareddy district has risen to 34, making it one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the state's recent history. The blast occurred at Sigachi Chemical Industry's pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram village on June 30, 2025, at approximately 9:00 AM local time.

Details of the Devastating Explosion

The incident began when a reactor explosion triggered a massive fire at the Sigachi Chemical Industry facility, a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant specializing in chemical compounds. As many as 31 bodies have been extricated from the debris while three died in hospital while undergoing treatment, according to district Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj.

The blast's impact was so severe that it completely destroyed major sections of the factory building, trapping numerous workers under the collapsed structure. Emergency response teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors and recover bodies from the wreckage.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site, with multiple fire brigades, medical teams, and disaster response units deployed. The rescue teams have been methodically removing debris to locate missing workers who may still be trapped underneath the collapsed building sections.

The factory had 189 employees, with the majority hailing from northern Indian states. About 145 workers were reportedly present in the premises on Monday morning when the blast snuffed out more than 30 lives and left 35 others injured.

Preliminary Investigation Findings

Initial investigations suggest that the explosion may have been caused by a temperature buildup in the spray dryer equipment, though official confirmation from forensic experts is still pending. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in India's rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sector.

Impact on Sigachi Industries

The tragedy has significantly impacted Sigachi Industries, a pharmaceutical company involved in manufacturing chemical compounds and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Following the blast, the company's stock price dropped by 9% on the stock market, reflecting investor concerns about the incident's long-term implications.

The company has announced that it is cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation and providing all necessary support to affected families and rescue operations.

Government Response and Support

State government officials, including ministers and senior administrative officers, have visited the accident site to oversee rescue operations and coordinate relief efforts. The Telangana government has announced compensation for the victims' families and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

Local authorities have also initiated safety audits of other chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the region to prevent similar tragedies.

Safety Concerns in Chemical Manufacturing

This incident brings renewed focus to industrial safety standards in India's chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The tragedy underscores the critical importance of:

• Regular safety inspections and maintenance of industrial equipment
• Proper implementation of safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Adequate training for workers handling hazardous chemicals
• Installation of advanced safety monitoring systems

Ongoing Investigation

A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and identify any potential safety violations. The findings will be crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring accountability for workplace safety standards.

Authorities are examining whether proper safety protocols were followed and if adequate emergency response measures were in place at the facility.

Community Impact

The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, particularly given that many of the victims were migrant workers from northern Indian states who had come to Telangana seeking employment opportunities. The incident has raised questions about the safety and welfare of industrial workers in the region.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating any remaining survivors and providing support to the families of those affected by this devastating industrial accident.