Hyderabad, July 1: The death toll from the devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram, near Hyderabad, surged to 32 on Tuesday. At least 15 more workers succumbed to their injuries overnight while undergoing treatment at hospitals.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning at Sigachi Industries Limited, located in the Sangareddy district, approximately 50 km from Hyderabad. The factory, which manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), was engulfed in flames following a massive explosion in the MCC drying unit.
At the time of the blast, 108 workers were present at the site. The explosion was so powerful that it could be heard from five kilometers away, according to local residents. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene where workers were flung into the air and landed several meters away due to the impact.
The explosion triggered an intense fire, prompting the deployment of 15 fire engines to control the blaze. Rescue operations were launched immediately, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), along with local revenue and police teams, have been working tirelessly to clear the debris from the collapsed three-storey building.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as 27 workers remain missing and are suspected to be trapped under the rubble.
Of the 35 workers who sustained injuries, at least 11 are reported to be in critical condition.
Some victims’ bodies were either charred beyond recognition or blown to pieces, forcing the authorities to initiate DNA testing to confirm identities.
Most of the victims are believed to be migrant workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, adding a layer of complexity in identification and post-mortem procedures.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is expected to visit the site of the tragedy on Tuesday. He will also meet the injured workers undergoing treatment at government hospitals.
Addressing media on Monday, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined. He added that the factory had been operational for over four decades.
Labour Minister G. Vivek ruled out the possibility of a reactor blast, stating that a malfunction in the air dryer system might have triggered the explosion and subsequent fire.
In response to the industrial disaster, the state government has formed a high-powered committee to investigate the causes and ensure accountability. The committee includes:
- The Chief Secretary,
- Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management),
- Principal Secretary (Labour),
- Principal Secretary (Health), and
- Additional Director General of Police (Fire Services).
As per a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the committee will also submit recommendations to prevent such industrial disasters in the future.
This incident marks one of the worst industrial disasters in the history of Telangana. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, and officials are urging the public to remain patient as they work to identify victims and provide relief to affected families.
