18, mostly women, killed in India fire at Pune chemical unit
Some 37 workers were trapped inside the building when the blaze started around 15:45 local time (10:15 GMT) on Monday. Fire engines rushed to the spot as smoke billowed from the compound - firefighters had to break walls on either side to rescue people. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, officials.
The factory belonged to SV Aqua Technologies, a company that makes chlorine dioxide products, typically used in water treatment. It was located in what is known as the Pirangut industrial estate, home to several other factories and plants, some 16km (10 miles) from Pune. Most of the workers live close by.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the death of the workers and announced 200,000 rupees ($2,800; £1,900) as compensation for their families. He also promised $690 as compensation for the injured. Maharashtra government, where the factory is located, also announced $6,800 as compensation to the victims 'families.
SVS Aqua Technologies manufactures and exports air, water and surface treatment chemicals, systems and solutions. collector Rajesh Deshmukh has ordered an inquiry. “We will wait for the inquiry panel’s preliminary report before further action,” Pune rural SP Abhinav Deshmukh said. “For now, a case of accidental death is being registered. The company officials are with us in searching for the victims.”The company’s export executive Sagar Shah said that a fire audit of the unit revealed no negligence.
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