UPDATE - At least 8 killed in blast at southern Indian pharma factory

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES IN LEAD, DECK

By Anadolu staff

NEW DELHI (AA) - At least eight people were killed and several others got injured after a fire broke out due to a suspected explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in southern India on Monday, a lawmaker confirmed.

Several workers are also feared trapped at the accident site in Telangana state’s Sangareddy district.

Harish Rao, a local legislator, told media that eight people died in the incident and around 26 were admitted to hospital.

Firefighters were called to respond to the fire.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy inquired about the accident, and issued orders to intensify relief measures, his office said. He directed that all necessary actions be taken to rescue the workers trapped and provide emergency medical assistance to the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” by the loss of lives. “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” he wrote on X, announcing compensation for the kin of the deceased and also to those injured.