…Telangana-based Sigachi Industries Ltd on Wednesday said it lost 40 of its team members in the June 30 explosion and fire at its Pashamylaram plant, even as it announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore each to the kin of the deceased in the deadly incident.

According to the government figures, the toll remained at 36 as of Wednesday morning. "It is with anguish that we share details of the accident that occurred at the Sigachi Industries facility in Pashamylaram, Telangana, resulting in the loss of 40 valued team members and one that left over 33 injured," the company said in a statement.

"Sigachi Industries Ltd has committed to an ex gratia compensation of Rs 1 crore (each) to the families of the deceased, while those injured will receive full medical and rehabilitation support," it said…

Experts have raised concerns over the lack of supervision and non-adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the plant. They said that the tragedy could have been avoided if there had been proper safety protocols and monitoring mechanisms in place….

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (JNTU-H), Emeritus Professor, KM Laxman Rao, said, “Accidents can be significantly reduced if a scientific engineering system is established in chemical and pharmaceutical industrial zones.”…