Telangana, India — At least 39 people have died and 34 others were injured following a devastating explosion and fire at a chemical factory operated by Sigachi Industries in southern India, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, has prompted the company to halt operations at the affected facility for 90 days.
The explosion ripped through the pharmaceutical supplier’s plant in Telangana state, causing the entire structure to collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews still working to clear the debris.
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“We are still clearing the debris,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Service. “Only after this is complete will we know if any more bodies are trapped.”
Authorities say more than 140 workers were present in the plant when the blast occurred. At least 25 of the deceased have yet to be identified, according to district official P. Pravinya.
One survivor, Chandan Gound, 32, recounted his escape:
“I stepped out to use the restroom and suddenly heard a loud blast — like a bomb. Flames erupted, and I had to jump the wall to escape. Many managed to flee, but a large number were trapped inside.”
The Telangana state government has formed a five-member investigative committee to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown. Sigachi has stated the plant is fully insured and that it has begun processing claims for the extensive damage to its equipment and infrastructure.
Sigachi Industries is a major producer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The Telangana facility accounts for over 25% of the company’s total production capacity of 21,700 million metric tons annually. MCC is widely used for its compressibility and ability to enhance drug release in tablets, as well as in low-calorie foods and skincare products.
The company’s shares fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, heading for their steepest two-day decline on record.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people were killed and four injured in a massive fire at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu — a region notorious for repeated industrial accidents involving explosives.
Both tragedies have renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in India, particularly in the hazardous chemicals and manufacturing sectors.
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