Emergency services have recovered numerous heavily charred bodies, many of which require DNA testing before identification
A deadly fire at a chemical factory in Pashamylaram, Telangana, has claimed the lives of at least 40 people, with more than 30 others suffering serious injuries, officials said on Wednesday.
The blaze erupted on Monday morning at a facility owned by Sigachi Industries, a manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose—a common additive in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals. Around 143 workers were on site when the fire broke out. The company said the plant will be shut down for up to 90 days to facilitate a thorough investigation and rebuild its damaged operations .
Authorities in Telangana have formed a five-member committee to determine the cause of the fire. While Sigachi insists there was no reactor explosion, the exact origins of the blaze remain unclear as investigators sift through the wreckage .
Emergency services have recovered numerous heavily charred bodies, many of which require DNA testing before identification. Among the injured, several are said to be in critical condition; rescue efforts continue amid concerns that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble .
The tragedy has reignited concerns about industrial safety standards in the region. Telangana’s chief minister and the Indian prime minister have both announced financial compensation for the victims’ families and those injured. The state government has also pledged a full review of safety protocols at similar chemical manufacturing sites.
Sigachi Industries, whose shares have dropped sharply in the aftermath, serves international clients—including firms in the US and Australia—and this plant contributes over a quarter of its production capacity
