Deadly factory fire in India claims lives of 40, leaving 33 people injured
A devastating fire at a chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana, India, claimed the lives of 44 people and injured 33 others on June 30, 2025. The incident took place at Sigachi Industries Limited, a facility that caters to clients in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals.
The fire occurred during the operation of the spray dryer unit, a unit used to process raw materials into a fine powder for pharmaceutical use. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be disclosed, but it is believed to be linked to the highly combustible nature of the materials being processed, similar to other incidents involving microcrystalline cellulose production.
In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Telangana Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, have announced compensation for the victims' families. Sigachi Industries has also committed to paying a significant amount to the families of the deceased and covering medical expenses for the injured.
As of the latest reports, a government panel has been formed to investigate the incident. The investigation is ongoing, but no specific findings have been publicly disclosed detailing the exact reasons for the malfunction. Such incidents often involve a combination of factors, including maintenance issues, safety protocols, and equipment failures.
Sigachi Industries, which operates in countries such as the United States and Australia, has announced that operations at the plant will be suspended for approximately 90 days. The company produces microcrystalline cellulose, a key ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
For the most recent updates, it would be necessary to check the latest news reports or official statements from the investigation panel. The chemical factory, located in the southern part of India, was employing 143 people at the time of the incident. The government of Telangana state has formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident.
The fire at Sigachi Industries Limited, a workplace that focuses on health-and-wellness sectors such as pharmaceuticals, underscores the importance of general news reports on science and workplace-wellness. As the investigation into the malfunction unfolds, it is crucial to understand if maintenance issues, safety protocols, or equipment failures were factors contributing to the accident, similar to other incidents involving microcrystalline cellulose production.
