Death toll in Pashamylaram’s Sigachi Industries blast rises to 39; Probe underway
Hyderabad: The death toll in the explosion at Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal of Sangareddy district has risen to 39 on July 4, 2025. Bhimrao, a worker from Maharashtra who had been undergoing treatment at Dhruva Hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Friday.
According to the District Collector, 31 bodies have been identified so far. Efforts are ongoing to confirm the identities of seven more victims. Currently, 23 people are receiving treatment in various hospitals. Twelve others have been discharged. Nine workers are still reported missing.
The explosion occurred on the morning of June 30 at around 9:20 a.m. at Sigachi Industries Ltd., a manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose powder used in pharmaceutical products. The incident took place at the company’s facility at Plot Nos. 20 and 21, IDA Phase-I, Patancheru Mandal. A total of 143 workers were present at the time of the blast.
In an official statement, the District Collector confirmed that 61 people were safely rescued. A total of 38 deaths had initially been reported, with Bhimrao’s passing bringing the toll to 39.
The Telangana government has formed an expert committee to investigate the cause of the explosion. The committee is headed by Dr. B. Venkateswar Rao, Emeritus Scientist at CSIR-IICT, and includes Dr. T. Prathap Kumar (CSIR-IICT), Dr. Surya Narayana (retired CSIR-CLRI), and Dr. Santosh Ghuge (CSIR-NCL, Pune).
The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the explosion, assessing whether standard safety protocols were followed, and examining possible lapses or violations. It will also evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the factory’s management and staff. The panel has been directed to submit its findings within a month. The Director of Factories, Telangana, will assist in the investigation.
On July 2, Sigachi Industries released a statement confirming the deaths of 40 workers and injuries to more than 33. The company expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the deceased. It also promised full medical and rehabilitation support for the injured.
Denying media reports that the explosion was caused by a reactor, the company stated, “The accident was not caused by a reactor explosion, as reported in some sections of the media.” Operations at the plant have been suspended for 90 days.
Sangareddy police have registered a case against Sigachi Industries under Sections 105, 110, and 117 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, related to grievous hurt and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The company is owned by Amit Raj Sinha.
The Telangana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, citing potential safety and labour rights violations. It has issued notices to the District Collector, Commissioner of Labour, Director General of Fire Services, and Superintendent of Police, seeking reports by July 30.