New Delhi, Jun 7 :Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the Pune chemical plant fire in Maharashtra on Today, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh and Rs 50,000 to the injured one from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund.

Taking to twitter, he said, “Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a factory in Pune, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families”.

A massive fire broke out in a chemical factory at Pune on Monday evening, killing at least 17 people, mostly women.

As per officials, the fire broke out at SVS Aqua Technologies, which manufactures chlorine dioxide and is located in the Pirangut MIDC area of Mulshi tehsil on the outskirts of Pune city.

Total eight fire tenders were rushed to the plant to douse the flame immediately and a search operation has been currently underway.(UNI)