At least 36 people were killed and around three dozen injured after a massive explosion and fire at a Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical factory in Telangana, India.

The blast destroyed the plant’s structure, with many victims’ bodies badly burned.

Authorities are clearing debris to check for more casualties and have launched an investigation.

The factory, which makes microcrystalline cellulose for drug production, will halt operations for 90 days, the Associated Press has reported.

Industrial accidents like this highlight safety challenges in India’s pharmaceutical sector, a key global supplier of generic medicines.

Written by B.C. Begley