HYDERABAD — Authorities have intensified efforts to identify the victims of the recent factory explosion in Telangana, with DNA testing underway and 10 bodies already returned to families in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and other states.
As of 10 pm Tuesday, officials had collected 19 blood samples from relatives of the missing and deceased at the government area hospital in Patancheru and a temporary medical camp set up near the blast site.
Dr. C. Sridevi, a pathologist at the hospital, confirmed that all samples had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Red Hills.
“We’re aiming to complete the DNA testing within 48 hours to facilitate early handover of the bodies to grieving families,” she said.
Identification Progress and Ongoing Procedures
Of the deceased, 14 bodies have been identified so far. Ten have been formally handed over to families, while four more will be released once documentation is completed.
In cases where victims remain unidentifiable due to severe burn injuries, forensic teams are collecting samples of sternum bone or muscle tissue.
“These are preserved in formalin and sent to the forensic lab at Red Hills, where the team is working round the clock,” said Dr. Srinivas Reddy, superintendent of the hospital.
An under-construction Centre of Excellence building near the site has been temporarily repurposed as a morgue to accommodate the deceased.
Weather Disrupts Relief Efforts
Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has significantly hampered rescue and medical operations at the site. Despite the adverse conditions, a centralised blood collection point has been established at the hospital to streamline the identification process.
“Seven samples were collected at the accident site on Monday night despite the rain. The rest were brought in on Tuesday,” Dr. Reddy added.
Officials remain focused on expediting the identification process and supporting the families of the victims as the aftermath of the tragedy continues to unfold.
