18 Dead in fire at Pune sanitiser firm, rescuers search for missing staff

Mangalore Today News Network / NDTV

Pune, Jun 07, 2021:      At least eighteen employees of a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Pune have died and several are missing as a massive fire broke out in the sanitiser-manufacturing unit of the firm on Monday.

 

A big contingent of the local fire department was present on the spot to fight the blaze and rescue those stuck inside, officials said.

According to news agency PTI, at least six fire engines were rushed to the plant of SVS Aqua Technologies in Pune.

The local fire department told NDTV that 37 employees had been working inside the unit when the fire broke out. While 20 workers were rescued, bodies of 14 have been recovered so far.

"According to company officials, at least 17 of their workers were missing after the blaze broke out," an official told the agency.

In visuals, a thick plume of black smoke is seen over the campus of the sanitiser firm. People run towards safety near the gate, while others stand still to watch the fire.The fire is now under control and search for the missing workers is underway, officials said.