Five people were killed after a major fire engulfed an under-construction unit of Serum Institute of India (SII) in Manjri on Thursday afternoon. The blaze has not affected the production of the COVID-19 vaccine — Covishield.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said at least five bodies were recovered in the building after the fire was doused. “Till 6 pm, five deaths were reported. The search operation is still going on. The sparks from welding work caused the fire that spread speedily because of insulation material,” he said, adding that a report has been sought from the authorities.