At least 12 people have been killed and dozens more injured following an explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana, officials said on Monday.

The blast occurred at a Sigachi Industries facility in Sangareddy district, around 60 kilometres from Hyderabad. Local media showed black smoke rising from the ruins of the factory, which was reduced to rubble.

Fire officials said the explosion began in a spray dryer unit used to process raw materials into fine powder for drug production. The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation.

Ten workers were declared dead at the scene, while around 30 others were taken to hospital with burn injuries. Two later died of their injuries, bringing the death toll to 12.

“There were 65 workers inside the factory when the explosion occurred,” Indian Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy confirmed. Rescue teams are continuing to search the debris for any missing personnel.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media and announced financial aid of ₹200,000 (US$2,333) for the families of those killed.

India is a key global supplier of generic medicines and vaccines, but industrial accidents in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors remain frequent. Investigations into safety lapses at the site are expected to follow.

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