Lagatar24 Desk
Hyderabad: The death toll from a catastrophic explosion at the Sigachi Industries chemical plant in Medak district has risen to 35, with rescue operations continuing as many workers remain unaccounted for. Distraught families from several states have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting any news of their loved ones.
Frantic Rescue Efforts Amid Debris
The powerful blast, which occurred Monday morning, completely flattened the multi-storey building, trapping an unknown number of workers inside. A massive rescue operation involving nearly 200 personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, and local fire services is underway. Officials fear the death toll could rise further as teams sift through the rubble. The task is complicated by the fact that many bodies are burnt beyond recognition, necessitating the use of DNA analysis for identification, with forensic teams dispatched to the government hospital in Patancheru.
Dryer Malfunction Suspected as Govt Orders Probe
Initial investigations suggest the explosion was triggered by a malfunction in a dryer within the quality control unit. The tragedy was compounded by the death of the factory’s general manager, A. Loganan, who was in charge of attendance, making it difficult for authorities to ascertain the exact number of people inside the building at the time of the blast. In response to the disaster, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the site and meet with victims’ families. He has formed a five-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
