The Chief Minister and IT Minister Sridhar Babu expressed dissatisfaction at the absence of the company’s top management. Furthermore, Reddy said the government is in discussions with the company to secure ₹1 crore in compensation for each life lost.
Published Jul 01, 2025 | 7:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 01, 2025 | 7:20 PM
The Chief Minister alongside other ministers at Pashamylaram
Synopsis: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy visited the Sigachi Chemical Factory in Pashamylaram on Tuesday, a day after a reactor blast killed 37 workers, injured dozens, and left many unaccounted for. He directed officials to launch a full inquiry, demanded ₹1 crore compensation from the company per victim, and criticised management for its absence during the crisis.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, 1 July, visited the Sigachi Chemical Factory in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, a day after a deadly reactor explosion triggered a massive fire and the collapse of a three-storey building.
Reddy was accompanied by IT Minister D Sridhar Babu, Labour Minister G Vivek, and Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha.
The blast on Monday afternoon has so far claimed 37 lives, left dozens injured, and several others remain unaccounted for.
Thick smoke and flames quickly engulfed the facility, prompting deployment of 11 fire tenders and three Disaster Response Force (DRF) units. Rescue operations continue more than 24 hours later.
Charred remains are still being recovered from the debris as families wait for news. In many cases, DNA testing is now the only way to identify victims.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a meeting at the site with senior government officials and a company representative.
“Someone has to take responsibility for this, no?” he said, addressing officials and urging the presence of a company representative to speak with both the government and the victims’ families.
He asked the Director of Factories about the frequency and thoroughness of safety inspections at the plant, inquiring when the last check was conducted and whether any issues had been flagged.
Labour Minister G Vivek added, “We are going to make it mandatory for an ‘action taken report’ to be submitted within six months of every inspection. For these kinds of industries, there will always be safety angles. I think that was missing here.”
The Chief Minister directed officials to draw up a comprehensive rescue and relief action plan and form an expert panel to investigate the cause of the incident and suggest preventive measures. He urged the company to announce immediate compensation for the deceased and injured.
“This is the time for humanity,” he stated, questioning why the company’s Managing Director had not shown up.
IT Minister Sridhar Babu also expressed his dissatisfaction at the absence of top company management.
“We are all Ministers who’ve come here following this huge incident to review the conditions. If the government can make time, can’t your MD?” he asked the company’s representative.
Stressing the government’s displeasure, he added, “Why are they running two to three companies if they can’t visit when these many people have died at their plant?”
In the wake of the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced a series of compensation measures to support the victims and their families.
Speaking at the site, he said the government is in discussions with the company to secure ₹1 crore in compensation for each life lost.
“If someone is injured and unable to work anymore, we are urging the company to offer ₹10 lakh. Those with other injuries should receive ₹5 lakh. We will also ensure that all medical expenses are covered by the government,” he said.
He also pointed out that identifying the workers has been made more difficult by the death of the manager at the time of the incident.
“There were 143 workers present at the time. Officials have accounted for only 57 so far. We don’t yet know if the rest are trapped or have fled – we are investigating,” he added.
As immediate assistance, the Chief Minister announced that the District Collector would release ₹1 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured, pending further compensation.
He also pledged long-term support. “The state government will take responsibility for the children of the deceased,” he said.
The Chief Minister hinted at structural reforms, including the possible creation of a dedicated body to address fire-related industrial safety issues.
He cited the Pashamylaram and Gulzar House incidents as reasons to re-evaluate safety protocols. “The government will stand with every affected family,” he said.
Even as the death toll climbs, more charred bodies continue to be recovered and brought to the Area Hospital and Dhruva Hospital in Patancheru. Several injured have also been admitted to Pranaam Hospital in Madinaguda.
Only four victims – Jagan Mohan, Ram Singh, Shashi Bhushan Kumar, and Lagnajith – have been identified so far. In all other cases, DNA testing is the only method of confirmation.
Hospital officials began collecting DNA samples late Monday night. Twenty samples have been processed so far, according to Srinivas Reddy, Superintendent of the Area Hospital. These are being sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for matching against family-provided reference samples.
“Given the extent of the burns, visual identification is impossible,” he said.
At the time of the explosion, 143 workers were on-site. Search efforts, still underway, were slowed by overnight rain, which hampered debris clearance. Many workers remain unaccounted for.
So far, 57 workers have been confirmed safe, while 35 others are receiving treatment in different hospitals. The injured include workers from Telangana, Bihar, and Odisha.
Grieving families have gathered at hospitals and the factory site, waiting for updates and identification of their loved ones.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
