The devastating fire at a chemical factory at Bhosari claimed lives of ten women workers while injuring nine others, fire brigade officials said on Thursday.

The deceased included three sisters employed in the unit situated in the MIDC area, around 30 km from Pune.

The fire broke out late Wednesday night after a series of explosions in 'Sai Chemicals' which produces bomb covers for ammunition factories, the sources said.

Four women charred to death on the spot when around 20 containers of chemicals exploded. Six others, who sought protection in the bathroom, were later found dead due to asphyxiation, the official added.

Nearly 30 workers were present inside the premises of the factory when the mishap occurred.