Sigachi Industries Ltd on Wednesday said it had lost 40 of its team members in the recent explosion and fire at its Pashamylaram plant in Sangareddy district. The company also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore each to the families of the deceased.

According to Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj, the official death toll stood at 38 as of Wednesday afternoon. “It is with anguish that we share details of the accident at the Sigachi Industries facility in Pashamylaram, Telangana, which resulted in the loss of 40 valued team members and left over 33 injured,” the company said in a statement.

“Sigachi Industries has committed an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore (each) to the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive full medical and rehabilitation support,” it said. The company also clarified that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion, as reported in sections of the media. Plant operations will remain temporarily suspended for approximately 90 days, the company added.