Serum Institute fire leaves 5 dead
The fire, which broke out around 2.15 pm, was brought under control within three hours
Thursday January 21, 2021 7:28 PM, IANS
Pune: At least five persons suffocated to death in a major fire that engulfed an under-construction building in a plant of global vaccine giant, Serum Institute of India (SII), here on Thursday afternoon, triggering nationwide anxiety.
Health Minister Rajesh Tope and Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol announced that five persons, believed to be labourers, had perished in the blaze and their bodies were recovered during the sweeping and cooling operations.
Inquiry Ordered
As the state government ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy, another four persons were rescued safely from the blaze which erupted on two or three upper floors of the SII building which was being readied for a BCG vaccine plant.