Pune, Jan 21 (UNI) Five charred bodies were recovered by NDRF team after a massive fire broke out at Serum Institute of India complex, the makers of Covid vaccine, here on Thursday.
However, Serum Institute of India (SII) officials said that vaccine production remains unaffected. SII's main complex is in Hinjewadi area of the city.
SII is manufacturing the Covishield vaccine, in collaboration with Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which has been approved for emergency use by the drug regulator of India.
After the news of death came to light, Adar Poonawalla, chief executive officer of SII, offered his condolences to the bereaved families in a tweet.
Earlier, he said, "no lives lost or major injuries due to the fire, despite a few floors being destroyed."
But later, he tweeted, "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."
He also said he would like to reassure the government and public there will be be no loss of Covishield production as multiple production buildings are kept in reserve to deal with such contingencies.
The exact extent of damage has yet to be ascertained.
A dozen fire engines and jumbo tankers have been sent to put out the fire.
"The fire broke out in a building in the premises. We have sent water tenders to the spot," a Fire Brigade official said.
The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, he added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray spoke to the officials of Pune district and corporation and took a review of the situation.
State Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope, too, is in touch with officials in Pune.
Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said that efforts were underway to control the fire.
The Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the fire at SII's Manjri facility, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said.
Mr Pawar, who is also District Guardian Minister, spoke to Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta.
The Covishield vaccine production is safe, he added.
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