An explosion followed by a massive fire at a pharmaceutical plant in India’s southern state of Telangana has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, officials confirmed on Monday.

The incident occurred at a factory of Sigachi Industries, located in an industrial zone around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital, according to G.V. Narayana Rao, Director of Telangana's Fire Services. Firefighters recovered the charred remains of six workers from the site, while two others died from severe burn injuries after being rushed to a hospital.

Rao said the explosion took place in the factory's spray dryer unit, which processes raw materials into fine powder used in drug manufacturing. Emergency crews continued clearing debris from the gutted facility to ensure no one else remains trapped.

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India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical sector, known for its large-scale production of generic medicines and vaccines. However, industrial accidents, especially those involving chemical processes, remain a frequent concern, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety measures and regulatory oversight in this crucial industry.

Sigachi Industries Limited specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. The company operates five manufacturing sites across India and has subsidiaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, according to its website.

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