A bomb-like explosion ripped through the factory during working hours, turning it into a tragic scene with at least 42 people killed and dozens seriously injured.
The disaster killed at least 42 people
At around 9:20 a.m. on June 30, a horrific explosion occurred at the Sigachi Industries Ltd pharmaceutical factory, located in the Pashamylaram industrial area, Sangareddy district, Telangana state (India), right when workers were working in the factory.
According to strange witnesses, the violent explosion blew away the entire factory, causing dozens of workers to be thrown dozens of meters away. Black smoke billowed, and screams echoed in the devastated scene.
“I came out of the factory to go to the toilet and heard a loud bang. It was like a bomb went off. I ran out and saw flames. Some of the flames were coming towards me. I jumped over the wall to escape,” said Chandan Gound, 32, who has been working at the factory for six months. “Many people inside managed to escape, but many were trapped and could not get out,” Gound added.
According to the police, there were more than 140 workers at the factory at the time of the fire. At least 42 people have died so far, many of their bodies were burned beyond recognition. More than 30 others were seriously injured, including victims with burns to 80% of their bodies.
Searching for victims through the night
Immediately after the tragedy, authorities including the Fire Department, the Disaster Management Agency and the National Disaster Response Force were present to carry out the rescue. Many local and central government leaders came to the scene to express their condolences and announced financial support for the victims’ families.
Rescuers are still trying to work through the night, digging through layers of rubble to search for victims.
“We are still clearing the debris,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Force, confirming that the building had completely collapsed.
“Only after we clear the entire area will we be able to assess whether there are any bodies trapped inside,” Rao added.
Sigachi Industries is a manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a common ingredient used in pharmaceuticals. However, a chemical reactor in the production line exploded, possibly due to uncontrolled overpressure. The force of the explosion was compared to that of a bomb, completely collapsing the factory and burning down the entire production area.
MCC is prized for its compressibility, adhesion, and drug release properties, making it an essential ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used to prevent food from clumping, to maintain the texture of cosmetic products, and as a fat substitute in low-calorie foods.
The Sigachi plant was once a symbol of Telangana’s thriving pharmaceutical industry, but the explosion exposed serious flaws in its operating procedures and safety controls, which outraged many.
The plant has now been ordered to shut down for 90 days pending an investigation. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.