July 1, 2025 | Hyderabad:
The death toll from the devastating blast at Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd., a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, has risen to 35 as of Tuesday morning. Authorities fear the number could go up further as search and recovery operations continue despite rain and hazardous conditions at the site.
The explosion, which occurred around 9:10 a.m. on Monday, sent shockwaves through Isnapur and neighbouring areas, with residents reporting loud noises and seeing thick plumes of smoke billowing from the site. Most victims are believed to have been trapped under the collapsed reactor unit, which was part of the facility’s core production infrastructure.
Local residents were among the first to respond. “We rushed in with whatever we could. Some of the injured were taken to the hospital even before emergency services arrived,” said Sai Reddy, a resident from nearby Isnapur, recounting the terrifying moments after the blast.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock, battling both the unstable debris and overnight rainfall, which has hampered operations. Hospital sources say the charred remains of victims have been arriving at Patancheru Area Hospital throughout the night.
A special forensic team from Osmania General Hospital is assisting with the post-mortem and DNA profiling process due to the severity of the burns on many of the bodies. According to hospital superintendent Dr. Srinivas Reddy, autopsies have been conducted on 15 bodies so far, with only four officially identified. DNA samples are being collected from the remaining victims to facilitate identification.
“DNA testing is underway on around 20 bodies. Once matches are confirmed with family members, the remains will be handed over,” Dr. Reddy stated. The process is expected to take time due to the condition of the bodies and the volume of work involved.
Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha visited the site again on Tuesday morning, marking his third visit since the tragedy. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is also expected to reach the site later today for a review of the ongoing operations and to meet with affected families.
Sigachi Industries has announced that all operations at the Pashamylaram facility will be suspended until further notice, citing extensive damage to its core infrastructure.
As families await word on missing loved ones and the identification of the deceased continues, the community remains on edge, mourning one of the worst industrial disasters in recent memory in the region.
