Rescuers are still combing through the wreckage of a Telangana pharmaceutical plant where a powerful explosion killed 38 people and injured 35 more.
Nine people are still unaccounted for. It’s been four days since the blast at the Sigachi Industries facility in Pashamylaram, and families are still gathered outside, holding out hope for any word on their loved ones.
“Death toll remains at 38. Nine people are missing,” said district Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj on Thursday. He added that debris removal was nearly complete and no additional bodies had been located.
Remains including two hands and a leg were recovered and are currently under forensic examination. Final results from the Forensic Science Lab (FSL) are expected soon.
Committees Begin Probes as Victims Await Relief
Two panels have been tasked with investigating the cause and aftermath of the explosion.
An expert committee headed by Dr. B. Venkateswar Rao of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology is expected to submit a full report to the state government within a month.
Meanwhile, a separate five-member committee, led by Telangana’s Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, is monitoring rescue operations and assessing safety gaps.
Sigachi Industries confirmed that preliminary findings from the state-led investigation are due within seven days. The company has stated it will wait for the outcome before making further comments.
“For now, we stand by our earlier statement that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion,” the company noted.
On Wednesday, Sigachi’s Managing Director and CEO Amit Raj Sinha denied claims that the facility used outdated machinery.
Compensation and Hospitalization
The company announced compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for each of the injured who have been discharged.
According to Sangareddy district officials, 11 patients were released from hospitals on Thursday. Nineteen others remain under care, some with burns covering up to 75 percent of their bodies.
Out of the 37 recovered bodies, 21 have been returned to families. DNA testing and identification of the remaining remains are still in progress.
Families Demand Answers
The scene remains tense, with relatives mourning and upset over delays in clearing the debris.
One woman, the aunt of a missing worker, questioned the delay. “It should be done quickly so that it can be found out if any bodies are there,” she said.
Another man injured himself by hitting his head with a stone in grief. Medical staff at the site provided immediate treatment.
Others voiced similar emotions. “We will leave this place if the body is given to us. We will not stay here,” said one family member.
The waiting continues, with families hoping for answers—both about what caused the explosion and who’s still missing.
