Devastating Explosion at Sigachi Pharma Plant

On the morning of June 30, 2025, a massive explosion rocked the Sigachi Industries microcrystalline cellulose plant at Pashamylaram in Sangareddy, Telangana. At approximately 9 a.m. IST, the spray-dryer unit blew out, collapsing the building and igniting a fierce fire. At the time, 143 employees were on site; 61 escaped unharmed. Over the subsequent week, dozens of workers succumbed to their injuries despite intensive medical care.0

Rising Fatalities and Human Toll

By July 6, the death toll had surged to 41 after Jitender (30) from Uttar Pradesh died at Dhruva Hospital in Patancheru. The next day, two more victims—Manmohan Singh from Bihar and another injured worker—also passed away, pushing fatalities to 42.1

Injuries, Missing, and Rescue Efforts

The blast left 33 people injured; 14 have since been discharged, while 18 remain hospitalised. Nine individuals remain missing, their whereabouts unknown. Rescue operations by SDRF, NDRF, HYDRAA, fire services, and police continue amid debris. Fifty to 60 body parts—legs, fingers, internal organs—have been recovered and sent for DNA analysis.2

Identification via DNA & Victim Profiles

Around 22 victims have been identified through DNA tests; recent confirmations include Chikkan Singh from Madhya Pradesh, D Ramanjaneyulu from Andhra Pradesh, M Akhil from Telangana, Aslam Ansari and Shambu Ram Vihar from Bihar, and Poornachandar Sahu from Odisha. Authorities are arranging transport of bodies to native villages, offering ambulance services and police escorts.3

Official Response and Ongoing Inquiry

The plant produces pharmaceuticals, specifically microcrystalline cellulose. A high-level state panel led by the Telangana Chief Secretary, including disaster management, labour, health, and fire services officials, has been formed to investigate safety lapses. A scientific committee under CSIR-IICT’s B Venkateshwar Rao is analysing root causes. Meanwhile, Sigachi has pledged ₹1 crore in compensation to each bereaved family and pledged support for the injured.4

Trivia for Quiz Buffs

• The explosion struck the spray-dryer unit, integral to processing pharmaceutical powders.
• Of 143 employees present, 61 survived; 42 perished and 9 remain untraced.
• Rescue included teams from multiple agencies: SDRF, NDRF, HYDRAA, fire and police services.
• DNA profiling of remains began within days; more than 20 victims identified so far.
• Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used as a binder in drug tablets and capsules.

Source: Telangana Today