The Catholic Church in India has expressed profound sorrow and strong condemnation following a devastating explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana’s Sangareddy district, which killed at least 40 workers and left more than 35 others critically injured.
The incident occurred on June 30 at a facility operated by Sigachi Industries Private Limited, located north of Hyderabad. The powerful blast triggered the collapse of a three-story building, raising serious concerns about workplace safety and labor rights violations.
Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General and Spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI), described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted exploitation faced by India’s most vulnerable laborers.
“This is yet another tragic example of the serious problem of exploitation and disregard for the dignity of workers,” Fr. Alathara told Fides News Agency. “The victims are mostly poor people, members of tribal communities, migrant workers, and daily laborers, who are the most vulnerable.”
He called for a thorough investigation to determine if negligence or violations of labor protection standards played a role in the disaster. Fr. Alathara also urged a review of existing labor laws, emphasizing that systemic failures often leave the poorest and most marginalized without legal recourse.
In response to public outrage, the Telangana state government announced compensation packages—10 million rupees for the families of those who lost their lives and 1 million rupees for the injured. On July 3, a commission of inquiry comprising scientific and technical experts was formed to investigate the causes and sequence of the explosion.
The Inter-Ritual Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) also released a statement expressing “deep sadness and sorrow” over the tragedy. The Bishops offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Many of the victims were internal migrants from other states, who had come to Telangana seeking work. “Our condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this sudden and devastating tragedy,” the Bishops said. “We also pray for the speedy and full recovery of all those injured, and that the Lord grants strength and courage to their families and caregivers.”
The CBCI called for “a thorough and transparent investigation” and demanded accountability from all parties involved. The statement emphasized that safeguarding human dignity and ensuring a safe working environment are both moral imperatives and constitutional duties.
Fr. Alathara concluded by reaffirming the Church’s commitment to stand with the poor and voiceless. “Those who suffer are always the poorest, the defenseless, those who cannot even go to court, the migrants, the tribal people, the weakest. The Church is at their side to help them with all means and in every way.”
Church communities across India have been encouraged to offer prayers during daily Masses for the souls of the deceased and healing for the injured.