Hyderabad: The massive blast that occurred in a pharmaceutical factory in Pashamylaram near Hyderabad on 30 June has claimed at least 36 lives, according to official reports. Some sources claim that the death toll has reached 39.
The blast occurred around 9.20 am on Monday i.e. 30 June. It was so massive that it blew up the reactor at the Sigachi Industries Private Limited, a pharmaceutical unit that produces microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as well as pharmaceutical excipients, food ingredients, and cosmetic products. Most of the victims were stuck under the production unit housing the reactor that collapsed with a huge blast. The factory has been forced to shut operations for 90 days. Telangana government has announced compensation of ₹1 crore to families of the deceased and ₹ 10 lakh to those injured.
A forensic team from the Osmania General Hospital has started assisting with the post mortems and DNA sample collection. So far, only four victims have been identified. According to police officials, there were more than 140 people in the plant when the blast occurred. However, some media agencies reported that the Telangana health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha had told about 90 employees present at the time of the blast. So far, the cause of the blast is yet to be disclosed by company officials. The government of Telangana has formed a five-member committee to probe the incident. The factory has been forced to shut operations for 90 days.
