Telangana Pharma Factory Blast Claims 35 Lives; DNA Identification Ongoing at Patancheru Hospital

A powerful explosion at Sigachi Chemicals in Telangana’s Pashamylaram industrial area has claimed the lives of at least 35 people, with fears that the toll may climb further as rescue teams continue to search through the debris. The blast, which tore through the factory on Monday morning, has become one of the worst industrial tragedies in the state’s recent history.

The blast, likely caused by pressure build-up inside a spray dryer, brought down sections of the three-storey building in seconds. Nearly 90 workers were inside when it happened. Thirty-one bodies were pulled from the wreckage. Four more died during treatment in the hospital. Others remain in critical care, battling severe burns and toxic exposure.

"The entire industrial shed was blown apart, and workers were thrown into the air, with some reported to have landed nearly 100 meters away, according to eyewitness accounts shared by Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha."

Hospital Overwhelmed, DNA Identification Underway

At Area Hospital in Patancheru, the night brought in a steady stream of charred remains. Dr. Srinivas Reddy, the hospital superintendent, confirmed the arrival of 35 bodies and said identification is underway through DNA testing, as most bodies are beyond recognition. A forensic team from Osmania General Hospital is assisting in the post-mortem process.

Dr. Reddy said that autopsies had been completed for 15 bodies so far, and DNA tests had been carried out on 20 bodies overnight. He mentioned that once the matches were confirmed, the remains would be handed over to the families for transport. DNA samples, he added, were being sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory to be matched with those provided by the grieving families.

Search Continues as Rains Slow Progress

Rescue efforts, led by the NDRF, HYDRAA, State Disaster Response Force, and fire crews, are still underway, combing through debris despite heavy overnight rain. Eleven fire tenders were dispatched within minutes of the first fire call, received at 9:30 AM, but the intensity of the blast made the mission dangerous and difficult.

A senior rescue official stated that fine chemical dust had likely intensified the blast and that every inch of debris was being cleared as a precaution. Meanwhile, at least 11 survivors were reported to be in critical condition. Doctors were said to be closely monitoring them for signs of chemical burns and lung trauma over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Blame, Accountability, and Shockwaves

Patancheru MLA Mahipal Reddy accused the company of flouting safety norms and withholding the true casualty count. He demanded a compensation of ₹1 crore for each deceased worker, along with job assurance for the affected families. He stated that the tragedy could have been prevented and blamed the company for failing to maintain basic safety standards.

The factory manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), a substance used in pharmaceutical tablets. Sigachi Chemicals, on its website, brands itself as an “industry leader” in the pharma and food ingredient space.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has appointed a five-member high-level probe panel, including the Chief Secretary, senior disaster and health officials, and the Additional DGP for Fire Services. The Chief Minister said the investigation was not merely a formality but a serious effort to uncover what went wrong and to ensure such an incident never happens again. He is expected to visit the site later today.

Voices of Condolence, Calls for Reform

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed deep sorrow and instructed the Labour and Factories Department to extend all possible aid. He personally spoke to Principal Secretary M. Dan Kishore to ensure assistance reaches every affected family.

Political leaders across parties also responded. Former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao demanded the best medical care for the injured and compensation for the bereaved. Opposition leader K.T. Rama Rao called for urgent safety audits across Telangana’s industrial units.

Most of the deceased were migrant workers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who had come to Telangana in search of stable factory jobs. Their families now await DNA results and answers, both of which may take days.