A massive fire at a factory of SVS Aqua Technologies in Pune district’s Mulshi taluka yesterday claimed the lives of 18 workers. Most of the victims were women, according to fire brigade officials.

According to the officials, the fire broke out at SVS Aqua Technologies, which manufactures chlorine dioxide and is located in the Pirangut MIDC area of Mulshi tehsil on the outskirts of Pune city.

On receiving information about the fire, teams of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) fire brigade rushed to the spot with six fire tenders, water tankers and fire-fighting equipment.

Fire brigade officials confirmed that 18 persons, most of whom were women, died in the incident. PMRDA fire chief Devendra Potphode said 37 workers were inside the factory when the fire broke out. Eighteen of the workers died in the blaze and several others were injured.

Potphode said as per the company officials, the fire started during packing of plastic materials in the premises. "Due to some spark at the (packaging) section, the fire broke out and as there was plastic around, it spread rapidly," said Potphode.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths of the workers. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a factory in Pune, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives while Rs. 50,000 would be provided to those injured.