The death toll due to the explosion at a Telangana chemical factory increased to 42 as more bodies were recovered during the rescue operations, Hindustan Times has learnt. “Several bodies have been found under the debris while removing it The last leg of the rescue operation is still going on,”.
Telangana Chemical Factory Blast Death Toll Hits 42
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- The death toll due to the explosion at a Telangana chemical factory increased to 42 as more bodies were recovered during the rescue operations, Hindustan Times has learnt. “Several bodies have been found under the debris while removing it The last leg of the rescue operation is still going on,”.
Telangana Factory Blast
- A suspected reactor explosion on triggered a blast and fire at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram. Speaking to reporters, state health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha said around 90 employees were in the factory at the time of the incident.
- “The explosion blew up the industrial shed completely and the force of the blast was so intense that some of the workers were thrown up in the air and they fell down about 100 metres away,” he added, quoting the workers. Following the explosion, rescue and firefighting operations were carried out at the plant, during which at least 10 bodies were recovered.
- it is suspected to have been caused by a chemical reaction. explosion at the Sigachi Pharma Industries in Telangana’s Sangareddy may have been caused by the building up of pressure inside the spray dryer, according to a senior official who was involved in the rescue operations. Fine dust chemical particles also accelerated the blast and the subsequent fire. chemical factory was involved with the production of Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) – a purified, partially depolymerised cellulose derived from fibrous plant material, often wood pulp.
- The unit manufactured microcrystalline cellulose, a binding agent often used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industries.According to the company’s website, Sigachi Industries Limited “is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering advancements in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Intermediates, Excipients, vitamin-mineral blends, and Operations and Management (O&M) services”.
- Rescue operations are underway by NDRF, HYDRAA and Telangana Fire Disaster Response teams. The explosion triggered a huge fire, and 15 fire engines were used to douse the flames.
- According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away.
- As the bodies of some victims were blown to pieces or charred beyond recognition, the authorities were conducting DNA tests to establish their identity.
- Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also expressed grief over the tragic accident. Paying condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, the state governor wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
- The Governor also spoke to the Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF) Principal Secretary M.Dan Kishore, and directed him to extend all possible assistance and help to all the victims of the blast.
- The state government appointed a high-powered committee to probe the disaster and its underlying causes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion, and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
