11 dead in gas leak incident in Ludhiana's Giaspura area; 'All possible help is being extended', says CM Mann

LUDHIANA: As many as 11 people died and four others were hospitalised after a sudden gas leak was reported in Giaspura area in the city on Sunday morning. The entire area was sealed by the police officials and fire brigade was called for the rescue.
According to district public relations office, 11 people have lost their lives in the incident whereas four others are undergoing treatment.Five females and six males were among the dead, including 2 male children aged 10 and 13.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the incident. "Police, administration and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being extended to the affected," said the CM.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been called for the help. A team of doctors and a fire brigade have also reached the spot.
"Definitely, it is a gas leak case. The NDRF team is present at the spot to evacuate the people and will conduct the rescue operation," says Swati, SDM Ludhiana West.
"Exact reason will only come when we will go to the incident spot. We are waiting for the NDRF, they are specialised in this," another officer said.
Meanwhile, DC Surabhi Malik, announced that government will pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who are admitted in hospital.
The fire officials informed that they received the call at around 7.15am about the gas leak and sudden deaths. They rushed to the spot but people were lying unconscious on roadside.

Initially, people were doubting about gas leak from MC sewer manholes but the civic officials denied to the same.
However, the matter is being investigated.
The Ludhiana police have lodged an FIR against unidentified people under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of IPC.