An explosion and subsequent fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, southern India, claimed the lives of at least eight people and injured several others, authorities reported on Monday.
The fire department recovered the charred bodies of six workers from an industrial area approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital. Two additional workers died from burns and were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, said G.V. Narayana Rao, the state’s fire services director.
The incident involved an explosion in a spray dryer unit used for processing raw materials into fine powders for drug manufacturing. Rao explained that efforts are underway to clear debris from the gutted facility of Sigachi Industries to determine if any workers remain trapped.
India, home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, plays a vital role in supplying generic medicines and vaccines globally. Its strong manufacturing sector and cost-effective production have established the country as a hub for major pharma firms.
However, industrial accidents, especially those involving chemical reactors, are not uncommon in this sector, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety protocols and regulatory oversight to protect workers and ensure public health.
Sigachi Industries Limited specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. The company operates five manufacturing facilities across India and has subsidiaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
+ There are no comments
Add yours