Indian authorities have increased the death toll to a minimum of 36 following a catastrophic explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Telangana. Numerous others sustained injuries, and DNA testing has been initiated to identify victims who suffered severe burns. The explosion took place on June 30 in the spray dryer unit of Sigachi Industries, which had 108 employees present on the premises.
Rescue teams are persistently removing debris from the collapsed factory, located approximately 50 kilometers from Hyderabad. Two injured workers subsequently succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, while emergency personnel continue to search for any additional individuals who may be trapped. The state government has established a committee to investigate the cause of the explosion, which resulted in considerable structural damage and halted factory operations for a period of 90 days.
In a separate incident, an Air India flight destined for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulting in the deaths of at least 290 individuals. The Boeing 787-8 collided with a medical college hostel in a densely populated region, with only one survivor reported. Rescue operations and investigations are currently underway amidst profound sorrow throughout India.
The plane crash has significantly impacted Boeing’s safety reputation and has intensified scrutiny on the Indian aviation industry. Authorities have suspended operations at Ahmedabad’s airport and have made appeals for blood donations as the families of the victims await updates. Both incidents are currently under thorough investigation to ascertain their causes and to avert future tragedies.