Feature Image Courtesy: India Today
A sudden fire broke out at in an under-construction building at COVID vaccine maker Serum Institute of India’s Pune facility that has claimed 5 lives.
The incident occurred at around 2 PM where BCG vaccine and Rotavirus vaccine were being manufactured. The fire which was reported at the Terminal 1 gate of Serum Institute continued to rage at the fourth and fifth floors of SEZ3 building. Pune Collector was quoted saying in reports that the prima facie reason for the fire is suspected to be short circuit.
The fire broke out at Manjri plant. Although production of Covishield wasn’t being done there preparations were underway to begin at a later stage.
Fire fighting operations are still underway and people are being evacuated. Initially it was reported that there were no loss of lives. However, at around 6 PM, distressing news of jawans finding 5 bodies were reported.
The five people who died, are believed to be construction workers at the under-construction building.
Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute conveyed condolences to the families of lives lost.
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.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 21, 2021