Death toll climbs to 36 after explosion and fire at pharmaceutical factory in southern India

 Hyderabad, July 1 —

At least 36 people have died and around three dozen were injured after a massive explosion and fire broke out at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, southern India, on Monday. Most of the victims were workers at the Sigachi Industries plant, located about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad.

According to fire services director G.V. Narayana Rao, 34 charred bodies were recovered from the site, and two more workers died in hospital due to severe burns. He added that rescue teams are still clearing debris to check if more people are trapped.

The blast occurred in the factory’s spray dryer unit, used for processing raw materials into powder for medicines. The building has completely collapsed, but the fire is now under control.

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha said 108 workers were present during the explosion. Due to the condition of the bodies, DNA tests are being carried out to confirm identities. The government has formed a panel to investigate the cause of the incident.

Witnesses reported hearing the explosion from kilometers away.

India, a major global supplier of generic drugs and vaccines, is known for its large pharmaceutical industry. However, industrial accidents—especially involving chemicals—are not uncommon, raising ongoing concerns about safety standards.

Sigachi Industries manufactures pharmaceutical ingredients and supplements. The company operates five plants across India and has branches in the U.S. and UAE.

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