Deadly Telangana Factory Explosion – Pashamylaram
Date: June 30, 2025
Location: Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical plant, Pashamylaram industrial area, Sangareddy district, Telangana
Incident Summary:
A powerful explosion occurred around 9 a.m. IST on June 30 at Sigachi Industries' pharmaceutical unit in Pashamylaram. The blast, believed to have originated in a spray-dryer reactor, demolished a four-story building, instantly killing dozens and injuring many more
Casualties & Rescue Operations
- As of July 1, official figures confirm 36 fatalities and around 34 injuries, though some sources suggest the toll could reach 40–45 as rescue operations continue
- Over 140 workers were present during the explosion. Several bodies were badly burned, requiring DNA identification .
- Rescue teams—including NDRF, SDRF, fire services, state agencies, and robotic units—have been working around the clock with excavators and heavy equipment .
Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary reports indicate the blast may have been caused by excessive pressure buildup inside a spray dryer, potentially aggravated by fine chemical dust particles
A five-member state-led probe committee has been set up by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to investigate the incident
Compensation & Official Response
- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has directed that ₹1 crore be paid to each deceased victim’s family. The factory management will match this amount.
- Additional ex-gratia will be provided: ₹10 lakh for those permanently disabled, ₹5 lakh for serious injuries, and an immediate payout of ₹1 lakh (deceased) and ₹50,000 (injured) from the state government .
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced an additional ₹2 lakh for each deceased worker's family .
- Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced ₹2 lakh compensation for Bihar-origin victims, and ₹50,000 for injured workers from Bihar
Safety Oversight & Company Measures
- Sigachi Industries has halted operations at the plant for 90 days to enable repairs and a comprehensive safety inspection
- Telangana CM has ordered statewide safety audits at all chemical and pharmaceutical units and lodged FIRs under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Factories Act .
Sector-wide Implications
- The Pashamylaram explosion is now the deadliest industrial accident in Telangana in recent years. It draws parallels with past disasters like Bhopal regarding inadequate safety measures
- The incident has intensified scrutiny over the rapidly expanding Indian pharmaceutical sector, which contributes significantly to global generic medicine supplies
- It raises urgent questions about regulatory enforcement, facility inspections, and risk management across the industry .
What Happens Next
- The probe committee will provide findings on technical failures and liability.
- Authorities plan statewide audits of chemical-industrial units for compliance.
- Sigachi Industries will start recovery and repair, followed by restoration of operations, alongside possible legal action if negligence is established.
Bottom Line: A devastating blast at the Sigachi pharmaceutical plant has claimed at least 36 lives and injured dozens. The state has responded with urgent rescue, legal action, compensation measures, and safety audits. As the investigation unfolds, the incident highlights systemic issues around industrial safety in India’s booming pharma industry.