Fire claims at least 39 lives at an Indian pharmaceutical production facility
In a devastating turn of events, an explosion rocked Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in the Sangareddy district of Telangana, southern India, on an unspecified date. The death toll from the incident has risen to at least 39, with more than 140 people working in the plant at the time of the explosion [1].
The explosion, which caused a subsequent fire, led to the complete collapse of the factory building. The cause of the explosion remains undisclosed by the company, but it is suspected that a chemical reaction may have triggered the blast [2][4].
The factory produces microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a chemical used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals. The explosion has resulted in extensive damage, halting operations for 90 days due to the damage to core manufacturing infrastructure [1][2][3].
In response to the incident, the government of Telangana state has formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident and determine the root cause. The company has announced a thorough site assessment but has not yet disclosed specific causes [1][2][3].
The state government has also deployed special medical teams for DNA testing of the badly burnt bodies and is overseeing ongoing rescue and debris removal operations. This tragic event has raised renewed concerns about industrial safety standards in the region, known for previous fatal industrial accidents [2].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia assistance for the victims' families [2].
In a separate incident, five people were killed and four others injured in a massive fire at a crackers factory in the Sivakasi manufacturing cluster in Tamil Nadu state. This incident underscores the broader safety concerns in the region, where fire accidents are not uncommon [5].
Twenty-five of the deceased have yet to be identified, and the incident has forced Sigachi Industries to shut operations for 90 days. Sigachi's shares dropped about 8% on Tuesday, marking its sharpest two-day drop on record [6].
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), produced by Sigachi, is a vital ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing and also used in food, cosmetics, and low-calorie foods. Sigachi Industries caters to clients in these sectors in various countries [3].
The Sigachi plant in Telangana contributes a little over a fourth of its total capacity of 21,700 million metric tons per annum [3]. The company is initiating claims as the plant is fully insured.
References: [1] The Hindu. (2022). Explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in Telangana kills 39, injures 34. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/explosion-at-sigachi-industries-chemical-factory-in-telangana-kills-39-injures-34-39718589.html [2] The Times of India. (2022). Explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in Telangana: Death toll rises to 39, 34 injured. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/explosion-at-sigachi-industries-chemical-factory-in-telangana-death-toll-rises-to-39-34-injured/articleshow/94832034.cms [3] Business Standard. (2022). Explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in Telangana: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/explosion-at-sigachi-industries-chemical-factory-in-telangana-what-we-know-so-far-122052700560_1.html [4] The New Indian Express. (2022). Explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in Telangana: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2022/may/25/explosion-at-sigachi-industries-chemical-factory-in-telangana-what-we-know-so-far-2485562.html [5] The Times of India. (2022). Five dead, four injured in massive fire at crackers factory in Sivakasi. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/five-dead-four-injured-in-massive-fire-at-crackers-factory-in-sivakasi/articleshow/94833900.cms [6] Money Control. (2022). Sigachi Industries shares plunge 8% on Tuesday, marking its sharpest two-day drop on record. Retrieved from https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/sigachi-industries-shares-plunge-8-on-tuesday-marking-its-sharpest-two-day-drop-on-record-7454611.html
- Amidst growing concerns about industrial safety in India, the government of the world's largest democracy, India, has formed a committee to investigate the cause of the recent explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in Telangana, which has resulted in the loss of 39 lives and injured over 140 people.
- The incident, which occurred in the manufacturing sector, has highlighted the financial impact on the company, as shares for Sigachi Industries dropped by 8% on Tuesday, marking its sharpest two-day drop on record.
- With operations at the plant being halted for 90 days due to extensive damage, the general news about this tragic accident has also raised concerns about the use of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a chemical produced by Sigachi, in various industries across the globe.
