Death toll in Telangana pharma plant explosion tragedy rises to 15

Hyderabad: The death toll in a blast at a pharmaceutical factory in Pashamylaram industrial area in Sangareddy district of Telangana on Monday morning has risen to 15, officials said. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha, who had been monitoring the rescue and relief operations confirmed the rise in deaths. Earlier, it was 13.

The tragedy struck when a reactor at the Sigachi Industries manufacturing facility was suspected to have exploded, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the building.

The blast was so powerful that it collapsed the factory structure and reportedly threw workers up to 100 meters from the impact site. Dense smoke and toxic fumes quickly spread throughout the area, forcing emergency evacuations of surrounding neighborhoods. Around 90 workers were present in the factory at the time of the incident.

State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, who rushed to the spot, confirmed that 34 injured workers are being treated at hospitals. He said approximately 12 workers are in critical condition and are receiving the best treatment provided by the government.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed anguish over the incident and directed officials to take all steps to save trapped workers and provide them advanced medical care, according to an official release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to those who lost their loved ones. He wished for an early recovery of the injured and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, Y Nagi Reddy, said the blast was suspected to have occurred in the drying unit of the plant. Speaking to reporters at the site, he explained that industrial experts are assessing whether pressure buildup during the drying or handling process led to the explosion of the material, which subsequently caused the entire handling unit and industrial building to blast.

State Labour Minister G Vivek Venkata Swamy said the exact cause of the mishap would be determined after examination by technical experts.

Sigachi Industries, incorporated in 1989, manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) and pharmaceutical powders with a diversified presence in pharmaceuticals, food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics sectors. The company employs workers from various states across India and operates five manufacturing facilities across the country, including the one in Pashamylaram, Hyderabad.

The company operates in the Pashamylaram industrial area, which serves as a hub for chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Sigachi exports its products to over 65 countries worldwide.

Chief minister, A Revanth Reddy appointed a high-powered committee to review and probe the mishap, and its underlying causes.

The 5-member committee comprises of the Chief Secretary, Sp CS - Disaster Management, Principal Secretary (Labour), Principal Secretary (Health) and Addl DGP (Fire Services).

In addition to probing this mishap, the panel would also submit a report on ways to prevent such accidents from reoccurring.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has also instructed the Chief Secretary to take care of treatment of all the injured. He further wished them a quick recovery and assured their families of all support.