Eight days on, search still on for missing workers after Sigachi blast in Pashamylaram
HYDERABAD: Eight days after the explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd. in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, there is still no trace of the eight missing workers.
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as teams search for the missing workers, identified as Rahul, Ravi, Venkatesh, Irfan, Vijay, Akhilesh, Justin, and Shivaji.
Families of the missing workers continue to wait near the AILA Center, holding out hope for news or closure. Many are seeking at least a final glimpse of their loved ones.
Rescue teams, including Circle Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, HYDRAA teams, and fire personnel, are actively involved in the search. Investigators are collecting evidence from the site, including personal items and biological samples, as part of ongoing efforts.
DNA Analysis in Progress
Authorities have collected over 70 samples for DNA testing to help identify the missing individuals. Police have launched another phase of operations at the site where industrial debris was dumped, hoping to uncover further evidence.
The explosion occurred on June 30 at around 9:20 a.m. at Sigachi Industries' facility located at Plot Nos. 20 and 21, IDA Phase-I, Patancheru Mandal. The unit manufactures microcrystalline cellulose powder, widely used in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules.
According to a preliminary report from the Director of Factories, 143 workers were inside the premises at the time of the incident. The blast resulted in more than 40 deaths and left several others injured.
Expert Committee Appointed
Following the incident, the Telangana government has constituted an expert committee to investigate the cause of the explosion and review safety compliance at the plant.
The committee is headed by Dr. B. Venkateswar Rao, Emeritus Scientist at CSIR-IICT, and includes Dr. T. Prathap Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT; Dr. Surya Narayana, retired scientist from CSIR-CLRI, Hyderabad; and Dr. Santosh Ghuge, Safety Officer at CSIR-NCL, Pune.
The panel has been tasked with identifying the cause of the explosion, evaluating whether standard safety protocols were in place and followed, and assessing any violations or lapses in chemical and industrial safety procedures. The committee will also examine the roles and responsibilities of the factory management and staff.
The Director of Factories, Telangana, has been directed to assist the committee and ensure access to necessary information. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations within a month.