At least 18 workers died in a fire at a private company at Urawade near Pirangut industrial area in Mulshi taluka of Pune district on Monday afternoon.
Fire department officials told the media that 18 bodies were recovered by 9 pm following the fire at SVS Aqua Technologies, and search operations will restart on Tuesday morning. According to reports the dead included 15 women. The company produces chlorine dioxide tablets for water purification.
District authorities who visited the spot said that reason for the fire was unclear and the committee under Sub Divisional Officer will conduct a probe. According to reports the fire broke out in the packing section where plastic and packing material was stored. Fire brigade officials and locals complained of breathing problem due to smoke and smell spread in the locality.