Death toll in Telangana factory blast rises to 42

The death toll from the explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy, Telangana, has risen to 42, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. Officials warn the number may rise further as more bodies are recovered from the debris.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj confirmed 34 deaths to news agency ANI.

The blast and subsequent fire occurred at a Sigachi Industries facility located about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, the state capital. Authorities initially reported at least 12 fatalities and several injuries.

GV Narayana Rao, Director of Telangana Fire Services, said the fire department had recovered the charred remains of 10 workers from the industrial site. Two more victims succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital.

"The explosion occurred in a spray dryer unit, which processes raw materials into fine powder used in drug manufacturing," Rao explained. He added that rescue operations were ongoing and that crews were still clearing debris to check for any remaining trapped workers.

Nearly three dozen injured employees have been hospitalized.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a social media post, calling the incident “tragic” and announcing financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.