9 killed, many feared trapped after gas leak in Ludhiana factory

At least nine 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.

“At least 5 casualties reported. Five-six 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 had earlier quoted a superintendent of police as saying.

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, Goyal Milk Plant, a factory that produces dairy products, experienced a gas leak from the cooling system. Nearby residents have reportedly fainted in their homes, and it is currently unsafe for anyone to enter the area.

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.