11 dead in gas leak in India’s Punjab

News Desk

11 people have died after they fell unconscious due to a gas leak incident at a factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana in Punjab. Four more people, who were taken ill, are undergoing treatment at a hospital, police said. A rescue team was rushed to the spot, and doctors, an ambulance, and a fire brigade team have also been stationed at the spot. A 50-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also reached the site. The affected area has been cordoned off.

Police said the casualties comprise five women and six men. Two boys, aged 10 and 13, are among the 11 who died in the incident, police said.

“Definitely, it is a gas leak case. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is present at the spot to evacuate the people and will conduct the rescue operation,” Swati Tiwana, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Ludhiana, told ANI. The nature and sources of the gas are not known yet, and the NDRF team will investigate it, she said.

The immediate priority is to evacuate the area, which is densely populated, Ms Tiwana added.

“11 deaths confirmed till now

In all likelihood, there is some gas contamination which has happened

It is quite likely that maybe some chemical reacted with methane in manholes

All of this is being verified. NDRF is retrieving samples,” news agency ANI quoted Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik.

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.