Tragic Fire at Sigachi Plant Prompts 90-Day Operational Pause

A devastating explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd’s Hyderabad facility has claimed at least 10 lives and left over 20 injured, following a reactor blast that triggered a massive fire on June 30. The incident occurred at the company’s chemical manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram, Medak district, during operational hours, with 61 workers reportedly present at the time.

 

The blast caused extensive damage to the core manufacturing infrastructure, including ancillary equipment and civil structures, reducing parts of the facility to rubble. Rescue operations involved 11 fire tenders, robotic firefighting units, and disaster response teams. Several workers remain critically injured, and the death toll may rise as search efforts continue.

 

In response, Sigachi Industries has paused operations at the Hyderabad plant for 90 days, citing safety assessments and structural rehabilitation. The company confirmed that the facility is fully insured, and claims have been initiated to cover damages and liabilities.

 

The incident has rattled investor confidence, with Sigachi’s stock plunging nearly 15% on the BSE. The company, a key player in pharmaceutical excipients and specialty chemicals, has yet to issue a detailed operational impact statement but is expected to face regulatory scrutiny and compensation obligations.

 

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ordered a high-level probe, while state and central authorities have pledged support for the victims’ families. The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter industrial safety audits across India’s chemical manufacturing hubs.

 

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Times of India, Business Standard