Sigachi blast exposes recurring safety failures and worker deaths in Indian factories
A devastating blast at Sigachi Industries' manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram, Telangana, which resulted in 40 fatalities and injured more than 33 people, has exposed serious gaps in industrial safety in India. Most of the deceased were migrant workers from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
While the investigation into the June 30 blast is underway, the company said on Wednesday that it was not a reactor explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast may have been caused by a massive temperature build-up reaching 700-800 degrees Celsius inside a spray dryer during the production of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC). Victims' families have alleged that the company ignored repeated warnings about unsafe and outdated machinery, prioritising cost-cutting over employee safety...
...a five-member investigation committee and demanded compensation for the victims. The Labour, Employment, Training & Factories (LET&F) department will also investigate the employment of unskilled workers in hazardous operations.
Sigachi said the Telangana plant operations are temporarily suspended for approximately 90 days, and the company is committed to an ex gratia compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of the deceased, with full medical and rehabilitation support for the injured.