Sigachi Factory Tragedy in India a Grim Wake-Up Call: Communists

News video screenshot of the aftermath of the explosion.

At least 45 people are believed to have died after a powerful explosion triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana. Other workers suffered horrific injuries.

A fire tore through the Sigachi Chemicals factory in Sangareddy district at 9am on Monday after an explosion in the spray dryer unit, which is used to convert raw material into fine powder for drug production.

It is thought that more than 100 people were in the factory when the explosion occurred, with many becoming trapped.

“The condition of the bodies is such that we’ve had to deploy a specialised medical team to carry out DNA tests,” said Health and Medical Cabinet Minister of Telangana Damodar Raja Narasimha on Tuesday.

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (CPI) on July 1 issued the following statement about the fire:

The Communist Party of India is deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating incident at the Sigachi Industries unit in Sangareddy district, Telangana. With at least 45 workers reported dead, many injured, and several still missing, this stands as the most tragic industrial disaster in the history of the state. The CPI conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and expresses its solidarity with the injured and those anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

This catastrophe is not an isolated accident but the result of persistent negligence, disregard for safety procedures, and the absence of regular maintenance protocols. It is a grim reminder of the dangers posed when industrial units, especially those handling hazardous substances, operate without stringent safety norms and oversight. The incident also highlights the consequences of policy shifts that have progressively weakened regulatory frameworks, no inspections, and eroded institutional mechanisms meant to safeguard workers' rights and wellbeing.

The weakening of labour laws and the marginalisation of trade unions—the frontline defenders of workplace safety—has led to an environment where safety concerns are ignored, precautions are bypassed, and workers are left unprotected. When profit becomes the overriding priority, human lives are treated as collateral.

It is incumbent upon both the Government of Telangana and the Union Government to take urgent and comprehensive measures to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. The manufacture and processing of hazardous chemicals must be governed by the highest safety standards, not only for the protection of workers but also for the safety of surrounding communities. This incident must serve as a wake-up call.

The CPI demands an immediate compensation of ₹50 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and appropriate compensation to those injured, along with access to medical treatment and long-term support. Those responsible for lapses in oversight and safety must be held accountable through a fair and transparent investigation. Many families are left without their bread-winners and their grief must not be compounded by injustice or neglect. The safety and dignity of workers must be restored at the centre of industrial policy.