Hyderabad : A devastating explosion followed by a massive fire at a pharmaceutical plant in the Pashamilaram industrial estate near Hyderabad claimed the lives of at least eight workers on Monday, police confirmed. The incident occurred at Sigachi Pharma Company, a facility engaged in manufacturing pharmaceutical intermediates.
Fire officials reported that a reactor exploded during an ongoing process inside the plant, triggering a blaze that rapidly engulfed the premises. The explosion’s force was so intense that it threw workers as far as 100 metres from the site. Five workers died on the spot, while one more succumbed to injuries during treatment. Two others who had been critically injured passed away later in the evening, raising the death toll to eight.
Over 20 workers sustained serious injuries, several of whom remain in critical condition at both government and private hospitals in the area.
The blast caused the production department’s building to collapse entirely, while an adjacent structure was also heavily damaged. Rescue operations are currently underway, with concerns that several workers may still be trapped beneath the debris. Families of those missing have gathered at the site, struggling to reach their loved ones as communication lines remain disrupted.
Eleven fire tenders were dispatched to the location and firefighting operations are ongoing. Fire officials said a comprehensive search is being conducted inside the premises to locate any survivors.
Sangareddy District Collector Praveenya and Superintendent of Police Paritosh visited the site to assess the situation and have directed authorities to expedite rescue and relief efforts.
“A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to verify if safety protocols were in place and properly followed,” said an official statement from local authorities.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on industrial safety standards in the region’s manufacturing hubs. Further updates are awaited as rescue teams continue to work through the night.
