A massive fire at a factory in Pune district’s Mulshi taluka on June 7 claimed the lives of 18 workers. Most of the victims were women, according to fire brigade officials. The fire was reported at SVS Aqua Technologies, a factory in Urawade near Pirangut in Mulshi taluka, around 3.30 pm, said Pune Rural Police. The fire started during packing of plastic materials in the premises, the fire department said. Devendra Photfode, an official from the Fire department told India Today there were 37 workers in the factory. The officials have recovered 18 bodies while others have been safely evacuated. After a rigorous fire-fighting operation, the fire was extinguished by around 6.30 pm and a cooling operation was carried out. According to news agency PTI, at least six fire engines were rushed to the plant of SVS Aqua Technologies in Pune. In visuals, a thick plume of black smoke is seen over the campus of the sanitiser firm. Pune District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh and senior police officers visited the incident site later. An inquiry has been ordered. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who died in the fire, reported The Indian Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin. PM Modi also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those who have been injured due to the fire at the industrial unit.