Sangareddy (Telangana): At least 12 people lost their lives and 34 others were injured in an explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy district on Monday, Telangana Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha confirmed.

"As many as 12 people died and 34 people are under treatment. We are hopeful that there would be no more (deaths)," the health minister told reporters.

Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy said: "Eight people died in the morning. Now, four bodies were found." Both the ministers visited the site.

The explosion took place at a reactor in the plant of Sigachi pharma company in the Pashamylaram industrial estate. It was caused by a suspected chemical reaction, which also led to a fire.

Inspector General of Police (Multizone) V Satyanarayana, citing factory sources, said that 150 people were present in the plant when the explosion took place, with around 90 workers in the area where the blast happened.

He said the explosion occurred between 9.28 am and 9.35 am. The management immediately reached out to the local police who in turn alerted the fire department.

Ten fire engines were deployed to the scene. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) also took part in the rescue operation. The fire was brought under control.

Authorities are still working to confirm the exact number of workers at the site, as the staff member responsible for maintaining attendance records is believed to have died in the blast.

PM Modi expressed grief over the fire tragedy and conveyed condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the incident. He wished an early recovery to the injured.

In a post on 'X', he announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep concern over the incident. He directed officials to take immediate steps to rescue any remaining trapped workers and ensure they receive advanced medical care.

Sigachi Industries Limited is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering advancements in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Intermediates, Excipients, vitamin-mineral blends, and Operations and Management (O&M) services, according to the company's website.

There was no immediate reaction from the company.

PTI