4 July, 2025On 30 June, a massive fire broke out at a pharmaceutical unit of Sigachi Industries in India, leaving more than 40 workers dead and injuring over 30 others. Many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition and DNA samples had to be collected to identify the victims. Media reports indicate that some workers are still missing as authorities continue to clear debris at the site. Approximately 143 workers were present in the factory when fire engulfed the building.
The plant has been closed for 90 days following the incident and a police complaint has been filed. A committee has also been formed to probe the causes that led to the fire. Recently, the company denied that there was a reactor explosion in the plant and stated that the cause of the fire may have been overheating. Sigachi Industries announced a compensation of US$ 116 729 to the families of the deceased. Provincial government will also provide immediate monetary relief to the victims.
IndustriALL South Asia regional secretary, Ashutosh Bhattacharya, said:
“Ensuring occupational health and safety is not a choice but a constitutional and international obligation for the Government of India. Ratifying ILO Conventions C-155 and C-187 will reaffirm India’s commitment to safe, fair, and dignified workplaces for all. The company must take full responsibility for the incident and any lapses that resulted in the blast must be disclosed.”
According to data compiled by IndustriALL, so far this year, over 60 workplace incidents have occurred in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector in the country, which have killed over 100 workers and left more than 170 injured. As workplace incidents are underreported, the actual figures would be much higher. Last year, over 110 workplace accidents occurred in the sector which killed at least 220 workers and seriously injured over 550.
Indian’s national trade union centre, Indian National Trade Union Congress, of which some of IndustriALL Indian affiliates are part, is demanding:
- An independent, high level inquiry into the functioning of the factories department,
- Suspension and criminal prosecution of any official found complicit in negligence, and
- Revamping of inspection mechanism, including strict adherence to ILO Convention- 81.
Sigachi Industries is a prominent manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose, which is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products. The company has a global presence and more than half of its products are exported to over 50 countries.
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