Tata Electronics iPhone Production Plant in India Suspends Operations Indefinitely After Fire

Tata Electronics iPhone Production Plant in India Suspends Operations Indefinitely After FireProduction at a Tata Electronics plant in southern India that manufactures components for Apple iPhones has been suspended indefinitely after a fire broke out over the weekend. Indian officials said on Monday that they would take action to prevent further damage from the fire

Tata Electronics iPhone Production Plant in India Suspends Operations Indefinitely After Fire

Production at a Tata Electronics plant in southern India that manufactures components for Apple iPhones has been suspended indefinitely after a fire broke out over the weekend. Indian officials said on Monday that they would take action to prevent further damage from the fire.

"We have deployed fire engines at the plant as there is a possibility of a flare-up or smoke emanating during the dismantling of the collapsed shed in the demolition incident," said local fire official M. Velu. The official also said that they have not yet ascertained the cause of the fire.

The blaze broke out early Saturday at the factory in Tamil Nadu state, injuring 10 people and forcing the suspension of production. Apple has not yet commented on the incident, while Tata said it was investigating the cause of the fire and that its plant's emergency response plan ensured the safety of employees.

Rescue teams were still clearing debris on Monday, with officials tasked with inspection facing challenges due to the extent of the damage. The factory was reportedly producing key back panels and other components for iPhones. Another building in the same compound is set to begin assembling iPhones by the end of the year, but it is unclear if it was affected.

India's senior health official Shilpa Prabhakar Satish visited the plant on Sunday and said the factory was "burnt very badly, you can't see anything (inside). The building is crumbling, the roof is collapsing, no one can go inside."

Tata Electronics, part of the $165 billion Tata Group, is one of Apple's key suppliers in India. The fire could have a significant impact on Apple's supply chain and iPhone manufacturing plans in India. It remains unclear when production will resume or if the incident will cause delays to Apple's latest iPhone release plans.