India factory fire death toll rises to 39, cause unknown

The death toll from the explosion and fire at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory in southern India has risen to at least 39, officials said on Tuesday, forcing the supplier of pharma products to shut operations for 90 days.

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The government of Telangana state, where the facility is located, has formed a five-member committee to probe the incident, the cause of which is yet to be disclosed by the company. The explosion on Monday also injured 34, according to officials.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday announced a compensation of Rs one crore each to the families of those killed in the blast at a pharma unit at Pashamylaram near Hyderabad.

Those who sustained critical injuries will be paid Rs 10 lakh each, and Rs 5 lakh each to others with minor injuries.

After visiting the accident site, he told media persons that both the company management and the state government will ensure compensation to the victims.

He also announced that expenses for the treatment of the injured will be borne by the company and the government.

The Chief Minister directed officials to provide Rs 1 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured as immediate assistance.

The government will extend all help to the affected families, including the education of the children by admitting them to government residential schools.