Dust explosion, not reactor blast, likely cause of Sigachi factory accident: CEO Amit Raj, Sigachi Industries
"As we await the results of the investigation, we would like to clarify that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion at the plant...," Sigachi said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday morning.
However, while interacting with mediapersons at the accident site later in the evening, Sigachi Industries managing director & CEO Amit Raj Sinha said: "It (accident) has nothing to do with any reactor blast. We don't use any solvents here.
I believe a dust explosion took place in the dryer section, though the investigation is still on."
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Sinha clarified that though initially the company put out a death toll of 40 and 33 injuries in intimation to stock exchanges, the fatalities stood at 38 as of Wednesday evening. Sigachi announced an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore to families of the deceased and said those injured would receive full medical and rehabilitation support.
Sinha said the company has roped in an external expert to study the site.
The company said plant operations will remain temporarily suspended for approximately 90 days.
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