Hyderabad: Rescue work at the collapsed Sigachi industrial unit in Pasmailar, Sangareddy district, came to a halt as overnight rainfall hampered operations.
Officials said debris clearance from the three-storey structure had not yet started. There are fears that missing persons could be trapped under the rubble. Further clarity on the rescue efforts is expected after senior officials arrive at the site.
The collapse at the Sigachi plant on Monday morning has triggered widespread grief across the Telugu states. Officials described it as one of the worst industrial disasters in the history of the united Andhra Pradesh.
The death toll climbed to 40. As the removal of debris continued, more workers and staff were found dead, authorities stated. As of Tuesday evening, 36 fatalities had been officially confirmed, with 14 victims identified and handed over to their families. The remaining bodies are yet to be identified.