Five dead in Serum fire, new launches likely to be hit: CEO Poonawalla

Five people were killed on Thursday in a major fire that broke out in a Serum Institute of India factory, but the world’s largest vaccine maker said the incident would not affect the production of Covid-19 vaccine even as new launches may be hit.

Sparks from welding work being carried out in the under-installation factory in Pune had triggered the fire that destroyed some floors of the building, local authorities said. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said an investigation and a fire audit will be done.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the incident. “In this sad hour, my thoughts are