Tragic Blast at Sigachi Pharma Leaves 12 Dead and Dozens Injured

In Sangareddy, Telangana, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the Sigachi Pharma Company, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives and injuring 35 others. The Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, Y Nagi Reddy, stated rescue officials are uncertain about how many remain trapped in the debris.

The explosion happened at approximately 9.48 am in the company's drying unit, leading to a fire, according to initial reports. It is suspected that the blast occurred during the air handling and drying processes involving Microcrystalline cellulose. However, more details are awaited as rescue operations by the NDRF continue at the site. Telangana Ministers Venkatswamy and Damodar Raja Narasimha paid visits to assess the situation.

Amidst the chaos, officials have identified that 63 employees were present at the facility during the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

(With inputs from agencies.)