At least 12 people have died and dozens more were injured after a massive explosion and fire tore through a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana on Monday, June 30. The incident occurred in an industrial zone in Sangareddy, approximately 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, and involved a facility owned by Sigachi Industries Limited.

Authorities confirmed that 10 charred bodies were recovered by the state fire department, while two more workers succumbed to severe burns after being rushed to the hospital. Fire services director G.V. Narayana Rao stated that search operations are ongoing to determine whether more individuals remain trapped in the debris.

The explosion reportedly took place in a spray dryer unit used for converting raw materials into fine powders for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Nearly three dozen injured workers have been hospitalized, and officials are assessing the full extent of the damage.

Sigachi Industries, known for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients and vitamin-mineral blends, operates several manufacturing sites across India and maintains a global presence with subsidiaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical market, particularly in the production of affordable generic medicines and vaccines. However, industrial mishaps remain a persistent concern in the country’s manufacturing sector, prompting renewed calls for tighter safety protocols and enforcement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy in a public statement and pledged financial aid of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,333 USD) for the families of those who lost their lives.