At least 10 workers lost their lives and over 20 others were injured following a catastrophic reactor explosion at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram, Telangana, on the morning of Monday, 30 June 2025. The blast caused a massive fire and partial collapse of the factory building, trapping several workers inside.
Emergency services, including 11 fire engines and rescue teams, responded promptly to control the blaze and carry out search-and-rescue operations. District officials, including Collector P Pravinya and Police Superintendent Paritosh Pankaj, are closely monitoring the situation.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion, while families of the victims and local communities demand accountability and stronger industrial safety regulations.
Devastating Blast and Rescue Operations Shake Industrial Zone
The explosion occurred around 10:30 AM during routine operations inside the chemical factory, which specialises in pharmaceutical ingredients. Witnesses described a deafening blast that sent shockwaves through the Pashamylaram industrial area, with some workers reportedly thrown up to 100 metres away by the force. Thick black smoke quickly engulfed the site, forcing an immediate evacuation of nearby factories and residential areas.
Firefighters battled the intense blaze for several hours, with 11 fire engines deployed to contain the fire fueled by volatile chemicals stored on-site. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate and extract workers trapped under debris caused by the partial collapse of the reactor building. Hospitals in nearby Sangareddy and Hyderabad have admitted the injured, many in critical condition, while the death toll sadly stands at 10. Officials described the scene as “heartbreaking” and pledged full support to the victims’ families.
Industrial Safety Concerns and Economic Fallout
This tragic incident has once again spotlighted the persistent challenges of industrial safety in Telangana’s chemical manufacturing sector. Sigachi Chemical Industry, a key player in pharmaceutical raw materials production, had previously faced warnings about safety compliance from regulatory bodies. The explosion has raised urgent questions about the adequacy of safety protocols, staff training, and emergency preparedness at the facility.
Following the disaster, Sigachi’s shares dropped sharply by over 9% on the Bombay Stock Exchange, reflecting investor concerns and public outrage. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine whether negligence, equipment failure, or procedural lapses caused the reactor malfunction.
Community leaders and labour unions have demanded immediate safety audits across all chemical factories in the region to prevent further loss of life.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we stand firmly for the dignity and safety of every worker. The tragic loss of ten lives and the suffering of many more in this preventable disaster is a clarion call for urgent reform. Industrial growth must never come at the cost of human lives.
It is imperative that regulatory agencies enforce stringent safety standards, and companies cultivate a culture of responsibility and care. We urge the government, industry stakeholders, and civil society to work together towards safer workplaces and transparent accountability. How can we, as a society, foster a culture that prioritises worker safety and ensures that tragedies like this never recur?
