Sigachi Industries cuts death toll to 39 from factory blast in Telangana

Telangana-based Sigachi Industries on Friday confirmed that 39 team members were killed in the deadly explosion in its pharma factory unit in Telangana, as against 40 deaths reported earlier this week by the company. Of the 33 injured team members, 12 have been discharged and the company has provided Rs 1 lakh as interim relief to each of them.

The company has also confirmed that it will provide full medical and rehabilitation support to the injured employees.

Team members from Sigachi Industries are available around the clock at hospitals to provide emotional and logistical support to the affected families, the company said.

The investigation of the fire at Sigachi's Pashamylaram Facility in Sangareddy district of Telangana is underway. The Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana is responsible for review and investigation of the mishap and its underlying causes.

Preliminary investigation report of the fire accident is expected within 7 days.

Telangana Police has filed a case of culpable homicide against the management of Sigachi Industries.

The company on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore each to the families of employees who lost their lives in the accident.

Sigachi Industries said that it is grateful to the State Government of Telangana, the emergency team, and their employees for managing various aspects of the accident in their plant in Pashamylaram, Telangana.

The company refrained from commenting on the exact cause of the accident. “For now, we stand by our earlier statement that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion,” the company statement said.