Firefighters said that the fire may have begun due to a spark at the packaging section of the unit.
Fifteen women were among the 18 people who lost their lives in a fire in Pune's SVS Aqua Technologies factory.
The factory manufactures chlorine dioxide for water purification and is located in the Pirangut MIDC area of Mulshi tehsil on the outskirts of Pune city.
According to reports, 37 employees were working inside the unit when the fire broke out at around 3.30 pm on Monday. Firefighters said that the fire may have begun due to a spark at the (packaging) section of the unit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter that he was pained by the loss of lives.
Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a factory in Pune, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives.
President Ramnath Kovind too offered his condolences.
The loss of lives of workers, mostly women, in a fire accident at a factory in Pune is extremely unfortunate. My condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also announced assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased, informed that the district collector had ordered an inquiry on the cause of the fire.