A Heartbreaking Tragedy: 34 Lives Lost in Telangana Pharma Plant Blast
In a devastating industrial disaster that has shaken the state of Telangana, the death toll from the massive explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharma plant in Pashamylaram has risen to 34, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. What began as a regular Monday at the pharmaceutical plant turned into a nightmare, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning.
Bodies Pulled from Rubble, Rescue Teams Continue Search
According to District Police Superintendent Paritosh Pankaj, 31 bodies have been recovered from the debris so far, while three workers succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a suspected chemical reaction, led to a fire and total structural collapse in parts of the plant.
Rescue teams are still working through the rubble. “The final phase of the operation is underway,” said Pankaj. Several teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire department remain at the site.
Eyewitnesses Recall Horror: “They Were Thrown 100 Meters Away”
Survivors and workers present during the incident recall the horror vividly. “The blast was so powerful that some workers were thrown nearly 100 meters away,” said one local resident, still in shock.
The explosion occurred when around 90 workers were on duty inside the facility. The force of the blast shattered windows in nearby buildings and sent smoke billowing high into the sky.
Conflicting Reports on Cause of Explosion
There is still confusion surrounding the cause of the explosion. While DG of Fire Services Y Nagi Reddy suggested that the blast originated in the drying unit, Inspector General V Satyanarayana believes it was a reactor explosion.
Telangana’s Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, who visited the scene with Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy, confirmed that a team of technical experts will conduct a thorough investigation. “Only after a detailed probe will we know the exact reason behind the tragedy,” he stated.
Telangana CM to Visit Site, PM Modi Offers Condolences
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the disaster site to assess the damage and offer support to the grieving families. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to express his sorrow.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Telangana pharma plant explosion. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” Modi posted.
The PM also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Company Responds: “Deeply Shocked, Will Support Victims’ Families”
Sigachi Industries Limited, the company operating the pharma unit, issued a statement expressing deep grief and sympathy for the victims’ families.
“We are deeply pained by this tragic incident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. The unit was insured, and we assure complete cooperation and support for all affected,” the statement read.
The company has also announced that operations at its Hyderabad plant will be suspended for 90 days while they assess and repair the damage to affected structures and equipment.
A Call for Accountability and Safer Workplaces
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict safety regulations in industrial plants across India. As grieving families wait for answers and bodies of their loved ones, the demand for justice and accountability is growing louder.
Industrial accidents such as these are not just headlines—they are human stories filled with pain, loss, and broken dreams. It is imperative that both government agencies and private firms prioritize worker safety, not just profits.
