(Image source from: Zeenews.india.com)
The death toll from the explosion at a pharmaceutical facility in Pashamylaram, near Hyderabad, has sharply increased to 32 as of Tuesday, following the overnight passing of about 15 injured individuals in hospitals. This tragic incident, marking one of the most severe industrial catastrophes in Telangana, may see the numbers climb higher as rescue teams persist in their search for victims in the wreckage of the three-storey building that collapsed due to the blast's force. A significant explosion occurred at Sigachi Industries Limited's pharmaceutical plant located in the Sangareddy district, approximately 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, on Monday morning.
The explosion in the Microcrystalline Cellulose drying unit also resulted in injuries to 35 workers, with 11 reported to be in critical condition.
Officials have indicated that 27 workers remain unaccounted for, with fears that they may be trapped beneath the rubble. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force, as well as the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency, along with revenue and police personnel, are actively engaged in clearing the site. The majority of those affected were migrant workers hailing from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. At the time of the explosion, around 108 employees were present in the factory, which was powerful enough to be heard from five kilometers away. The blast initiated a large fire that required the efforts of 15 fire engines to extinguish. Witnesses reported that the force of the explosion threw workers into the air, causing them to land several meters away. Due to the severe damage to some bodies, which were either blown to pieces or charred beyond identification, authorities are conducting DNA tests to determine their identities.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the site of the accident on Tuesday, where he will also meet with the injured at a government hospital. Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, speaking to the press at the scene on Monday, stated that the cause of the explosion is still undetermined. According to him, the company, established 40-45 years ago, specializes in the production of Microcrystalline Cellulose. Labour Minister G. Vivek commented that, based on initial observations, this was not a reactor explosion; rather, it is suspected that an issue with the air dryer system may have led to the blast and subsequent fire. The state government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident and its contributing factors. This committee includes the Chief Secretary, the Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management, the Principal Secretaries for Labour and Health, and the Additional Director General of Fire Services. The panel is expected to provide recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
(Video Source: NDTV)
