- A rescue team has been rushed to the spot, and doctors and ambulances have also been dispatched to the location, according to reports.
- National Disaster Response Force or NDRF from Bhatinda have been pressed into rescue operations
Ludhiana(Punjab): At least eleven persons were killed and many others are feared trapped inside a factory on Sua Road near Sherpur Chowk in Punjab’s Ludhiana after a gas leak on Sunday. The gas leak was first noticed around 7.15am.
The entire area has been cordoned off and teams of the National Disaster Response Force or NDRF from Bhatinda have been pressed into rescue operations.
According to initial reports from local media, ,a gas leak incident reported at a factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana in Punjab. Nearby residents have reportedly fainted in their homes, and it is currently unsafe for anyone to enter the area.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh says, “So far 11 people have died, and 4 are admitted. I will meet the family members of the deceased and provide Rs 2 lakhs ex-gratia compensation and Rs 50,000 will be provided to the people who are admitted to the hospital. A proper investigation will be done,”
Individuals within a 300-metre radius of the leak are experiencing difficulty breathing, causing people to avoid the area. The police and civil administration officials are on the scene, providing assistance and relief efforts. Social organisations’ ambulances have also arrived to assist in evacuating the affected individuals.
Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Ludhiana Police Commissioner says, “11 people, including 5 members of one family, died. Four others are admitted to the hospital. Their condition is serious…We are lodging a case at the concerned PS. Gas sampling will be done by NDRF, they will confirm what kind of gas it was. Blood sampling of the deceased is also being done. Doctors say that the gas didn’t affect their lungs but the brain…”
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik gives an update on the incident; says, “The Govt has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakhs for those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured and all medical support required…”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said all possible help is being provided, and more details will be shared soon.
“The incident of a gas leak at a factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad. Police, government and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being provided. Rest details soon,” he tweeted in Punjabi.
(input from agency)