Sangareddy Tragedy: Pharma Plant Blast Claims 12 Lives, Injures 34
Sangareddy (Telangana), Jun 30: A devastating blast in a pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy district, Telangana, which neighbors Hyderabad, led to the loss of 12 lives and left 34 others injured on Monday. The incident occurred at Sigachi Industries' facility in Pashamylaram around 9.30 AM, when approximately 90 employees were present. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha, who visited the scene with Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy, informed reporters about the tragedy.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the mishap with technical experts, awaiting more details. Venkatswamy noted that 12 of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving ventilator support due to stress on their respiratory systems from the burns sustained. Officials are optimistic that the remaining 22 individuals with burn injuries will recover soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery. In his post on 'X', he announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed anguish over the disaster, directing officials to take all necessary steps to rescue trapped workers and provide them with advanced medical care, as per an official release.
Sigachi Industries conveyed its deep condolences to the families of those who perished and assured full support to those affected. Y Nagi Reddy, Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, mentioned that the blast is suspected to have originated in the drying unit of the plant. "Industrial experts suggest that pressure built up during the drying or handling process, leading to the blast of the material, which in turn caused the whole handling unit and the industrial building to explode," he told the press.
The removal of debris from the blast site is ongoing, with efforts to locate any trapped individuals in the collapsed three-storeyed building still underway. Inspector General of Police (Multizone) V Satyanarayana disclosed that the blast's impact was felt within a five-kilometer radius of the Pashamylaram area.
The Labour Minister added that the factory incharge also lost his life in the tragedy, leaving no one from the company's side to provide clarity on the incident. However, officials, including the district Collector and Superintendent of Police, reached the spot within 30 minutes of the incident. The government plans to ensure a substantial ex-gratia to the deceased's kin and will consider providing interim assistance to affected families.
With some victims charred beyond recognition, DNA tests are being conducted to identify them. At least six bodies require DNA profiling for proper identification, as informed by a Revenue Department official. Sigachi Industries Limited, as per their website, specializes in the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Intermediates, Excipients, vitamin-mineral blends, and Operations and Management (O&M) services.
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