Sigachi’s Silent Alarm: 90 Days to Rebuild Trust and Reform

Sigachi Industries Ltd is reeling from a catastrophic explosion and fire at its Pashamylaram facility in Telangana, which has claimed 40 lives and left 33 injured, making it the worst industrial accident in the state’s history. The blast occurred on June 30, 2025, around 9:00 a.m., when a spray dryer unit used in pharmaceutical processing exploded, causing the building to collapse and trapping over 100 workers inside.

 

Emergency services, including NDRF and SDRF teams, launched a massive rescue operation. Many victims were migrant workers from Bihar and West Bengal. Due to the severity of burns, DNA testing is being used to identify several bodies.

 

In response, Sigachi Industries has suspended operations at the plant for 90 days and announced ₹10 million in compensation for the families of the deceased. The company also pledged full medical care and rehabilitation for the injured. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited the site and ordered a high-level probe, while Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and announced ex-gratia aid.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- Casualties: 40 dead, 33 injured

- Cause: Suspected pressure build-up in spray dryer unit

- Compensation: ₹1 crore per deceased family; ₹50,000 for injured

- Regulatory Fallout: FIR filed; plant lacked Fire Department NoC

- Stock Impact: Shares plunged nearly 15% post-incident

- Safety Concerns: Renewed scrutiny on industrial zones in Sangareddy

 

This tragedy has reignited calls for stricter safety audits and relocation of hazardous units away from residential areas.

 

Source: The Hindu, Economic Times, Wikipedia