Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Six Workers at Maharashtra Glove Factory

PUNE: A devastating fire engulfed a hand glove manufacturing factory in Maharashtra’s Sambhajinagar, Walunj MIDC area, resulting in the tragic loss of six workers’ lives. The incident occurred on the eleventh floor of the ‘Sunshine Entreprises’ building during the early hours of Sunday, as confirmed by fire department officials.

According to reports, a total of 18 workers, including two minors and one female, were inside the factory unit at the time of the incident. While seven workers managed to escape, six unfortunate individuals were trapped and lost their lives. Five other workers sustained minor injuries during the blaze. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination.

The fire brigade received a distress call and promptly dispatched two fire tenders from Walunj MIDC fire station, in addition to one each from Bajaj Auto Company, the municipal corporation, and Chikhaltahna fire station. It took approximately three hours for the firefighters to bring the blaze under control and recover the bodies of the trapped workers.

The victims have been identified as Mushtak Sheikh (65), Kausar Sheikh (32), Iqbal Sheikh (18), Kakanaji (55), Riyazbhai (32), and Margus Sheikh (33). The injured workers have been admitted to Ghati Hospital for medical treatment.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, local authorities are investigating the incident. Sambhajinagar district guardian minister Sandipan Bhumre visited the site to offer condolences and expressed his deep sorrow over the unfortunate event. He urged the police and fire brigade to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Responding to the tragedy, Ambadas Danve, the Leader of the Opposition in the state legislative council, demanded a comprehensive probe into the incident and called for appropriate action against those responsible. Danve emphasized that the police should investigate the matter and file charges of murder against those found accountable for the loss of lives.