New Delhi: At least 18 workers including 15 women, perished in a devastating fire that broke out at a chemical firm on the outskirts of the western Indian city of Pune.

At the time of blaze, total 37 workers were working  inside the building. Fire broke around 15:45 local time (10:15 GMT) on Monday.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Rescue teams and police reached the spot of incident after getting information to carry out rescue operations shifting the deceased and injured to a nearby hospital.

All the bodies, which were completely charred, were sent to the government-run Sassoon General Hospital for autopsy

Fire engines rushed to the spot as smoke billowed from the compound - firemen had to break walls on either side to rescue people.

The factory belonged to SV Aqua Technologies, a company that makes chlorine dioxide products, typically used in water treatment.

It was located in what is known as the Pirangut industrial estate, home to several other factories and plants, some 16km (10 miles) from Pune.

Following the tragic incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the death of the workers, announcing 200,000 rupees as compensation for their families.

He also promised $690 as compensation for the injured.

Meanwhile, the government of Maharashtra, where the factory is located, also announced $6,800 as compensation to the victims 'families.