Pune: A devastating fire at an industrial unit which manufactures chemicals required for water purification killed at least 18 persons in Pune on Monday evening.
According to Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) CEO Suhas Diwase, some bodies recovered from SVS Aqua were charred beyond recognition.
“We have so far recovered 18 bodies. We are searching if anyone is still inside,” said fire service chief Potphode.
The fire, reported around 5 pm, was doused in just under two hours by 8 fire tender units.
According to SVS Aqua Director Nikunj Shah, the chemical which the firm makes is not inflammable.
“We suspect a short circuit as the cause of the incident. There are likely to be a few more workers trapped inside,” he said.
