Toll rises to 42 in Telangana factory blast, 27 still missing

HYDERABAD: The death toll in the explosion at the Sigachi Pharmaceutical Company at Pashamylaram in Telangana rose to 42. The accident happened Monday morning at around 9:30 am. The cause of the accident is said to be a reactor explosion. The building has been completely gutted in the fire. The fire has also spread to nearby buildings. 11 fire force units, National Disaster Response Force and the police jointly doused the flames. Several bodies were found in the factory debris in the search conducted at night.

The charred bodies are beyond recognition. They can be identified only through DNA testing. The death toll is likely to rise further. Many undergoing treatments in the hospital are in a critical condition. The authorities said 27 workers are still missing.

They are suspected to be trapped in the debris. It is reported that more than 100 employees were in the factory at the time of the accident. The Telangana government has announced an inquiry into the tragedy. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate what caused the explosion.

Meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the incident. The central government has announced Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the dead in the accident. Rs 50,000 will also be given to the injured. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed his condolences over the accident. He directed the officials to provide speedy medical assistance to the injured.