A devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana claimed at least 36 lives and left many others injured. The blast occurred in the spray dryer unit of Sigachi Industries, where over 100 workers were present. Fire crews recovered 34 bodies from the scene, and two additional victims died in the hospital. Due to the severity of the burns, authorities are using DNA testing to identify those lost. The state government has ordered an investigation, and the company has suspended operations at the affected facility.
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard several kilometers away, and the factory structure collapsed entirely. Emergency teams continue clearing debris while ensuring no one remains trapped. Sigachi Industries described the explosion as “unfortunate” and acknowledged major production losses, as the site accounted for over a quarter of their output.
Just weeks earlier, the country was rocked by another tragedy — the crash of Air India Flight AI171. The Boeing 787, carrying 244 people, crashed minutes after takeoff in Ahmedabad, hitting a college hostel. The crash resulted in at least 290 fatalities, including passengers and residents. Rescue workers faced dangerous conditions as they combed through rubble, while government officials promised full support and an urgent investigation.
These twin disasters have brought national grief and raised concerns over safety measures in both industry and aviation. As India mourns, officials have pledged to implement stronger safety protocols to prevent future tragedies and protect lives.