At least 36 people were killed and another three dozen seriously injured following a large explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana, officials reported on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred on Monday, and by the following day, firefighters had extinguished the fire and were examining the charred remains of the plant located approximately 30 miles from the state capital, Hyderabad, according to G.V. Narayana Rao, the state's fire services director.
Emergency workers navigated through a scene of twisted metal and charred concrete as excavators cleared debris, including wires and pipes.
Many of the injured were hospitalized with burns or smoke inhalation; however, Mr. Rao indicated that the death toll was not expected to increase.
India is the largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals globally, and industrial accidents at drug factories are not uncommon. Nevertheless, Mr. Rao noted that the death toll from this incident is the highest from a fire in the state in over 25 years.
The plant, located in Sangareddy, is owned by Sigachi Industries and was engaged in the production of microcrystalline cellulose, a substance utilized in medical capsules.
While the cause of the fire remains uncertain, initial investigations suggest that a pressure buildup in a dryer system may have led to a "dust explosion." In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,335) through his National Relief Fund for each victim's next of kin.