Ludhiana Gas Leak: 11 Dead, What Happened and What We Know So Far
Ludhiana Gas Leak: On April 29, 2023, a gas leak was reported in the city of Ludhiana, India. The incident has left many residents in the area concerned about their safety and the cause of the leak. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the incident, including the type of gas involved, the factory responsible, and the latest news updates.
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Overview of the Ludhiana Gas Leak
The Ludhiana gas leak occurred on the morning of April 29, 2023, in the industrial area of the city. According to reports, the leak was first detected by workers at a nearby factory who noticed a strong smell coming from the area. The factory was quickly evacuated, and the authorities were informed of the incident.
The local police and fire department responded to the scene, along with a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The area was cordoned off, and residents in the nearby areas were asked to stay indoors with their windows and doors shut.
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The exact cause of the leak is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it was caused by a malfunction in one of the storage tanks at the factory.
Which Gas was Involved in the Ludhiana Gas Leak?
The gas involved in the Ludhiana gas leak has been identified as ammonia. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that is commonly used in the production of fertilizers, cleaning agents, and refrigerants. It is a highly toxic gas that can cause severe respiratory problems and is classified as a hazardous substance under Indian law.
Which Factory is Responsible for the Ludhiana Gas Leak?
The factory responsible for the Ludhiana gas leak has been identified as the Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Limited. The company is a leading manufacturer of pesticides and other chemicals and is based in the industrial area of Ludhiana.
PM Modi Announces Financial Aid for Victims of Ludhiana Gas Leak Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The PMO posted a tweet about the same on their official page.
Apart from the PM’s announcement, local authorities have been continuously monitoring the level of gas in the air. The municipal corporation, the NDRF, and the local administration are working together to inspect the factories in the area and examine the CCTV footage for leads on the leak.
Swati Tiwana, the SDM of Ludhiana who was present on the spot, reported that five of the deceased were from a single family. She also mentioned that the Punjab Pollution Control Board is inspecting the factories in the area.
As the investigation continues, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and assured all possible help to those affected. He tweeted that the police, government, and NDRF teams are present at the spot and that more details would be made available soon.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for safety measures in all factories and plants to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Latest News Updates on the Ludhiana Gas Leak
As of the time of writing, the situation in Ludhiana is still ongoing. The authorities have confirmed that the leak has been contained, and efforts are underway to neutralize the gas and make the area safe for residents.
According to the latest news reports, at least 50 people have been hospitalized due to the effects of the gas leak. Most of the patients are suffering from respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing and coughing. There have been no reports of fatalities at this time.
The authorities have assured residents that there is no danger of further leaks and have asked people to remain calm and stay indoors until the area is declared safe.
