India
oi-Deepika S
At least 11 people, including three children, died and several were taken ill after a gas leak incident at a factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana in Punjab. The source of the leakage and the type of the gas are yet to be ascertained.
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also reached the site. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu confirmed that eleven people have so far died in the incident.
“At least 11 casualties reported. Several people fell unconscious and they have been admitted to a hospital. A rescue team has been called to the spot. A team of doctors and ambulances have also been called,” news agency ANI quoted a superintendent of police as saying.
“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..,” said Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik.
Two boys aged 10 and 13 are among the 11 who died in the incident, according to the police.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the incident as sad and said all possible help is being provided.
“The incident of gas leak in the factory in Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad. Police, administration and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being provided,” Mann tweeted.
The incident of gas leak in the factory in 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..
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 30, 2023
