Pune: Two workers die after CO2 leak during fire extinguisher maintenance at Schaeffler India’s Talegaon plant, Three Injured
Pune, 9th June 2026: A carbon dioxide gas leak triggered by the accidental discharge of a fire extinguisher during maintenance work at a multinational manufacturing company in Talegaon MIDC claimed the lives of two workers and left three others hospitalised on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12.30 pm at the plant of Schaeffler India Limited in the Navlakh Umbre area of Talegaon MIDC Phase I in Pune district.
According to police, annual maintenance and servicing of fire extinguishers was being carried out by workers from Usha Fire Safety Equipments. Three workers from the contractor firm and two employees of Schaeffler India were engaged in the work when the safety pin of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher reportedly came loose, causing the gas to escape under high pressure.
The sudden release of carbon dioxide led to breathing difficulties, and three workers collapsed after inhaling the gas. They were rushed to a hospital in Somatane for treatment.
Doctors declared two of the workers dead before treatment could begin. Three others were admitted to hospital after complaining of respiratory distress, police said.
Officials from Talegaon MIDC Police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the accident. Senior Police Inspector Santosh Patil is supervising the probe.
