PASHAMYLARAM — A massive industrial explosion ripped through Sigachi Industries Pvt Ltd's pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Telangana's Pashamylaram industrial zone early Monday, leaving at least 10 workers dead, several others seriously injured, and dozens feared trapped under rubble in one of the deadliest chemical accidents in the state in recent memory.
The tragedy occurred around 9:35 a.m. when a reactor reportedly overheated and exploded, causing a catastrophic collapse of much of the industrial structure. According to emergency services, five charred bodies were recovered in the first two hours of rescue efforts, after which the death toll rose to ten.
Heavy plumes of black smoke blanketed the skyline as firefighters battled toxic flames using foam units and water cannons. “We received the fire alert at 9:37 a.m. and dispatched 11 fire tenders from across Patancheru, Jeedimetla, Madhapur, and Rajendranagar,” confirmed a senior fire official on site.
Two firefighting robots and disaster response units were also deployed amid concerns about further structural collapse and chemical exposure. Several ambulances and a trauma unit have been stationed outside the facility to assist with emergency evacuations.
"A terrifying scene of broken steel and silence"
Images from the scene show twisted steel, crumbling concrete, and workers covered in soot and blood being rescued by rescue teams. Family members and local residents stood behind barricades, many weeping and praying as sirens wailed in the background.
“It sounded like a bomb,” said Ramulu, a worker from a neighboring unit who had just stepped out for tea. “The ground shook. Within seconds, we saw smoke and people screaming.”
Multiple sources from within the plant revealed that the reactor was undergoing a cleaning or testing cycle, though this remains unconfirmed officially. A senior police officer hinted at possible negligence or safety oversight, noting that an official forensic team has begun its investigation.
https://x.com/PTI_News/status/1939560302372438412
A Pattern of Industrial Negligence in Telangana’s Chemical Belt
This is not the first time the Pashamylaram-Sangareddy industrial corridor has seen such devastation. In February 2023, three workers were killed in a similar reactor blast at a private facility barely two kilometers away.Another explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy in 2022 killed six people and injured more than a dozen.
Activists and unions have long accused the state's pharmaceutical hub of negligently implementing safety protocols, citing a lack of staff and poor chemical handling practices. “There’s a pattern of tragedy here, and no one seems to learn from it,” said Rani Maheshwari, an environmental rights activist. “The government must treat this as corporate manslaughter.”
CM Revanth Reddy Orders Probe, Vows Action
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed “deep anguish” over the incident and has ordered a high-level investigation. He directed Sangareddy District Collector and Disaster Management officials to oversee rescue operations and submit a report within 48 hours.
“Strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible,” the CM said in a statement, adding that compensation would be announced after a Cabinet meeting later today.
The Labour and Factories Department has also been instructed to initiate an immediate compliance audit of all chemical units in the region.
Market Shock: Sigachi Industries Shares Nosedive 15%
The stock fell 14.8% to hit an intraday low of Rs 47 on the Boston Stock Exchange (BSE). Around 1 pm, it was trading 13% lower at Rs 48.
This event added pressure to the stock which was already experiencing uneven momentum. In the last one year, shares of Sigachi Industries have declined 20.92%. Year-to-date (YTD), the stock is down 5.30% and has dropped 3.97% in the last six months.
In the last one year, the stock has seen a volatile trajectory—down nearly 21% year-over-year. Ironically, the company had seen a sharp rally of 36% in the last quarter on bullish pharma demand, but June has proven punishing, with a 9% drop over the month.