Explosion at Pharmaceutical Factory in India Claims 36 Lives
HYDERABAD, India — A devastating explosion followed by a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana has led to the tragic loss of at least 36 lives, with numerous others injured, officials reported on Tuesday.
The fire department discovered 34 bodies of workers at the site, located about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad. G.V. Narayana Rao, the state’s fire services director, confirmed that two more individuals died from their injuries in the hospital.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials still sifting through the ruins of the Sigachi Industries facility to determine if any additional workers might be trapped beneath the debris. Nearly 30 injured workers have been treated at local hospitals.
"The entire factory structure has collapsed. The fire is out, and we aim to clear the debris in the next few hours," Rao stated.
The explosion occurred in the factory’s spray dryer unit, a critical area used to convert raw materials into fine powders for pharmaceuticals. At the time of the incident, there were 108 workers present.
"Given the nature of the injuries, a specialized medical team is conducting DNA tests," said Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, noting that the state government is launching an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Witnesses reported hearing the blast from several kilometers away, highlighting the severity of the incident.
India is recognized as a significant player in the global pharmaceutical industry, supplying a vast array of generic medicines and vaccines. However, accidents like this underscore the urgent need for stronger safety measures in an industry vital to public health.
Sigachi Industries Limited specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients and has multiple manufacturing sites across India, along with branches in the U.S. and the UAE.
