PNM fire claims one life

Thursday’s fire accident at PNM Life Sciences Company in IDA Bolaram claimed the life of Abdul Sattar, a post-doctoral fellow who returned from the US and had set up a start-up company.

His body was found in the wreckage after the fire was doused at the plant.

Sattar, 38, is survived by his wife and three children, two daughters aged 10 and two years and a son who is four years old.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Sattar’s nephew Shaik Fayaz Ahmed said his uncle had gone to the factory to discuss some work. “When he didn't return home till late night, we lodged a complaint with the police. Early on Friday morning, they informed us about the death of a person in the fire. We went there and identified our uncle,” he said.

He alleged that the fire was the result of the negligence of the PNM management.

He alleged that the company had employed unprofessional workers for conducting sensitive reactions.

“We have lodged a complaint against the factory for their negligence due to which we lost our uncle. We demand the government implement strict rules while giving permission to factories like this. There should be continuous inspection of such factories,” Fayaz Ahmed said.

A blast had occurred at the solvent recovery plant during reactor operations, which resulted in the slab from the roof falling down.

Three persons were injured in the incident in which Sattar was killed.

Meanwhile, the Telangana State Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of the incident and called for a report from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board and the labour commissioner by June 24.