The explosion that shattered Sigachi Chemicals’ manufacturing facility in Pashamylaram industrial estate in Telangana has led to the reported loss of 36 lives, and authorities are still working to find other possible missing persons trapped under debris.
The blast occurred on Monday and leveled the facility, prompting an emergency response involving investigation, recovery, fire, police, and disaster management teams. The explosion originated from the spray dryer unit, and there were indications of pressure build-up before the explosion and subsequent fire.
A senior rescue official told The Indian Express that fine dust chemical particles in the dryer could have rapidly accelerated the blast.
“Pressure seems to have built up during operation. The fine particles intensified the fire after the explosion,” the official explained.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy visited the blast site on Tuesday and met with grieving families. He confirmed that 143 employees were at work at the factory at the time of the explosion, of which 58 have been confirmed safe. Unfortunately, 36 have died, while search efforts for the missing continue.
“Rescue operations are going on at full speed to find the missing people,” a senior rescue operator stated.
Compensation and Investigation Announced
In a swift response, Chief Minister Reddy announced a detailed compensation plan:
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₹1 crore to the family of each deceased worker
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₹10 lakh for those severely injured
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₹5 lakh for victims with partial burns or injuries
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₹1 lakh immediate relief for deceased families
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₹50,000 for injured persons
Speaking at the site, CM Reddy assured strict accountability:
“The culprits behind this accident will be penalised.”
He also ordered inspections of all chemical factories across Telangana to prevent such incidents in the future.
High-Level Probe Committee Formed
The state government has appointed a five-member high-level committee to investigate the incident. The panel includes:
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Chief Secretary
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Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management)
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Principal Secretary (Labour)
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Principal Secretary (Health)
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Additional DGP (Fire Services)
This committee will review safety protocols, investigate operational lapses, and determine accountability.
Sigachi Chemicals: Industry Background
As reported on its official website, Sigachi Chemicals is a well-known player in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food additive sectors. The plant mainly produces MCC (microcrystalline cellulose), a common excipient used in tablet manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.
The explosion has raised serious issues about industrial safety standards in such hazardous units of manufacture.
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