UAE expresses condolences to India over deadly factory explosion in Telangana

Abu Dhabi / Hyderabad: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its deep condolences and solidarity with India following a tragic explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern state of Telangana that claimed at least 12 lives and left dozens injured.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the UAE conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of India, and wished a swift recovery for those injured.

The explosion occurred at a unit of Sigachi Industries, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company located about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad. Authorities confirmed that 10 charred bodies were recovered from the site, while two more workers died from severe burns at a hospital.

According to G.V. Narayana Rao, Director of the Telangana State Fire Services, the blast took place in a spray dryer unit used to process raw materials into powder for drug production. Rescue operations were ongoing as emergency teams worked to remove debris and check for any workers who might still be trapped.

Nearly three dozen injured workers have been admitted to local hospitals.

India is a major global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, known for its cost-effective production of generic medicines and vaccines. However, industrial accidents—especially in chemical processing units—remain a concern, raising calls for stricter safety regulations and enforcement.

Sigachi Industries, according to its website, specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. It operates five manufacturing facilities across India, and has subsidiaries in the UAE and the U.S.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief in a social media post, stating he was anguished by the loss of lives. He also announced ex-gratia financial aid of Rs200,000 (approx. $2,333) for the families of each deceased victim.