The explosion occurred in the spray dryer unit used to process raw materials into drug powder.
At least 36 people have been confirmed dead following a massive explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, southern India, officials said Tuesday. The blast occurred Monday at a Sigachi Industries plant located 31 miles from Hyderabad. Fire services director G.V. Narayana Rao said, “The whole structure of the factory has collapsed,” noting that 34 charred bodies were recovered and two others died in hospital. Nearly three dozen workers were injured.
The explosion occurred in the factory’s spray dryer unit, which processes raw materials into powder. The plant manufactures microcrystalline cellulose, commonly used in drug production. Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha confirmed 108 workers were on-site during the incident. “As bodies were badly burnt and mutilated, a special medical team has been deployed to conduct DNA tests,” he said.
Sigachi Industries announced a 90-day halt in operations and shares dropped 8% Tuesday. A government panel has been set up to investigate the cause.