Telangana Plant Explosion: Debris Clearance Nears Completion, Sigachi Unit Lacked Crucial Fire Safety Clearance

The grim aftermath of the devastating explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy is slowly being revealed as debris clearance operations are reportedly nearing completion. The tragic incident, which occurred two days ago, has claimed the lives of 36 individuals, a figure that has remained consistent as rescue teams meticulously work through the wreckage. However, a significant and concerning revelation has emerged: the Sigachi unit was operating without a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Fire Department, raising serious questions about safety compliance and regulatory oversight.

Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj confirmed on Wednesday that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has largely finished its debris removal efforts, and no further bodies have been discovered at the site. While the physical clearance is almost complete, one team each from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and HYDRAA remains on standby as a precautionary measure.

The lack of a Fire Department NoC is a critical finding that points towards potential systemic failures. A senior official from the Telangana Fire Department explicitly stated that the company had not applied for any such certificate, and therefore, none was issued. This implies that the plant was operating without the necessary fire safety clearances, which are crucial for industrial units, particularly those dealing with hazardous materials like a pharmaceutical plant.

Further compounding concerns, the official revealed that the plant lacked adequate safety measures, including essential fire alarms and heat sensors. The process for obtaining an NoC is an online one, involving a committee’s assessment once an application is submitted. The absence of even an application from Sigachi Industries paints a grim picture of their commitment to fire safety protocols.

In response to the tragedy, Sangareddy police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the factory management. The case has been filed under serious sections, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 105), attempting to commit culpable homicide (Section 110), and voluntarily causing grievous hurt (Section 117). This legal action stems from a complaint lodged by a family member of one of the victims, indicating a potential focus on management’s culpability in the incident.

Meanwhile, the arduous task of identifying the deceased continues. Senior IPS officer and Director of Telangana Forensic Science Laboratories, Sikha Goel, informed that approximately 50 samples, including both bodies and samples from family members, have been received for DNA profiling. This process, which has been ongoing through the night, is expected to be completed by today. As of Tuesday, only 14 bodies had been positively identified, highlighting the severe nature of the injuries sustained in the explosion, which rendered many victims unrecognizable.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had earlier announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the next of kin of those who perished in the accident, which also left 34 individuals injured. The state government has pledged to engage with the company’s management to ensure this compensation is disbursed promptly.

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of strict adherence to industrial safety norms and robust regulatory oversight. The ongoing investigation will likely delve deeper into the reasons behind the glaring absence of fire safety certifications and the alleged lack of adequate safety infrastructure, with the aim of ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future.