Sigachi mishap: Death toll rises to 42; eight still missing

Over 100 mutilated body parts and bloodstains recovered from the debris sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory for DNA analysis

Sangareddy: The death toll in the Sigachi Industries Limited accident rose to 42 on Sunday after another injured worker succumbed while undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, DNA results have confirmed the identities of more victims as officials continue the search for those still missing.

Jitendar, a native of Uttar Pradesh, died at Dhruva Hospital in Patancheru on Sunday morning. His body will be handed over to his family after the autopsy, and officials have arranged for its transportation to Uttar Pradesh.

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In a parallel development, mutilated body parts recovered from the debris matched the DNA of family members of Chikkan Singh, a native of Madhya Pradesh, confirming his death. Two more bodies, which had been kept at the government hospital in Patancheru, were identified through DNA testing as those of M Akhil from Mahabubabad, and D Ramanjaneyulu from Andhra Pradesh. Arrangements have been made to send their bodies to their respective hometowns.

Officials have collected second samples from blood relatives in an effort to identify the eight individuals who remain untraced. Over 100 mutilated body parts and bloodstains were recovered from the debris and sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for DNA analysis. Officials said identification would be possible once reports are received.

The search at the mishap site is still underway, as families of the eight missing persons continue to wait at the rehabilitation centre, now for the seventh consecutive day. They have been seen moving between the help desk, hospitals and the explosion site, clinging to the hope of locating their loved ones alive.

Meanwhile, 20 Sigachi employees injured in the blast are still being treated in private hospitals, with the condition of 10 said to be critical.