Pune, Jan 21 (UNI) At least five charred bodies were recovered after a massive fire broke out at the Serum Institute of India (SII) plant in Manjri near Hadapsar here on Thursday.
While expressing his condolences for the loss of lives, Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla said the fire incident will not impact Covishield production.
The fire which broke out at around 1500 hrs on the fourth and fifth floor of the under-construction building was brought under control after fire brigades rushed to the spot immediately.
According to reports, the deceased persons were workers employed by a contractor.
"We have just received some distressing updates; upon further investigation we have learnt that there has unfortunately been some loss of life at the incident. We are deeply saddened and offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the departed," Mr Poonawalla said in his twitter post.
A fire official said, "after getting information, we have rushed ten fire tenders to control the fire."
A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also reached the spot.
Initially, three employees were rescued by the fire personnel.
The Serum Institute of India is engaged in large scale production of Corona vaccine Covishield and Manjri campus is one of its major facilities.
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