40 dead in chemical explosion

The death toll in a massive explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharma unit at Pashamylaram has increased to 40 people, while the search is on for locating 11 people who are still missing.

There were 143 reportedly on the factory floor on the day of the explosion. 34 people received severe injuries, while 54 suffered minor injuries and were shifted to their residences.

Officials have so far identified 18 bodies, of these 14 have been handed over to their family members, while the remaining four bodies are yet to be handed over. Government hospital staff have collected DNA samples from family members to match with that of the bodies, which were charred beyond recognition. 

It is believed the explosion when a spray dryer in the factory's sterile processing department exploded.