At least, 19 employees have been killed and over 30 trapped in a chemical plant fire that broke out in an industrial space in India’s Pune district on Monday.
According to reports, the fire engines rushed to the spot as smoke billowed from the compound – firemen had to break walls on either side to rescue people.
The cause of the Chemical plant fire has not yet been determined.
The factory belonged to SV Aqua Technologies, a company that makes chlorine dioxide products, which is typically used in water treatment.
It was located in what is known as the 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 as compensation for their families. He also promised $690 as compensation for the injured.
The government of Maharashtra, where the factory is located, also announced $6,800 as compensation to the victims ‘families.