India factory explosion death toll climbs to 34

At least 34 people have died following a massive explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, southern India, according to reports from news agencies.

The blast occurred on Monday during working hours at a unit of Sigachi Industries, causing severe injuries to many workers, several of whom remain in critical condition. Authorities say around 60 people were present in the building at the time, which completely collapsed due to the force of the blast.

“Thirty-one bodies have been recovered from the debris, while three others died in hospital during treatment,” said Paritosh Pankaj, a senior district police officer, as quoted by the Press Trust of India.

Following a complaint from the son of one of the victims, police have registered a case against the factory’s management.

Sigachi Industries announced a 90-day suspension of operations at the affected facility, citing extensive damage to equipment and infrastructure. In a statement, the company acknowledged the tragic loss of life and said it was still determining the number of injured.

The unit manufactured microcrystalline cellulose, a commonly used binding agent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. According to rescue officials, the explosion was likely triggered during the operation of a spray dryer, with fine chemical dust particles intensifying the blast and subsequent fire.

Most of the workers were migrant laborers from states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

At least 25 people were rushed to local hospitals, suffering from burns, injuries, and suspected toxic inhalation. Rescue teams are continuing to clear the site and have not yet confirmed whether more bodies may be trapped beneath the rubble.

GV Narayana Rao, head of the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Force, told Reuters that DNA testing is being used to identify severely burned bodies.

The Telangana Congress-led government expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has promised compensation for victims’ families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences, announcing ₹200,000 (approximately $2,336) for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.