India: 11 dead after gas leak in Punjab's Ludhiana
The affected area has been cordoned off
Punjab: The death toll in the gas leakage incident that occured in Giaspura in Ludhiana district on Sunday has risen to 11.
'A total of 11 persons are dead. There are five females and six males including 2 male children of 10 years and 13 years," the official said.
The two deceased at SPS Hospital have been identified as Naveent Kumar (39) and Neetu Devi (39), they said.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow and anguish at the gas leakage.
"The incident of a gas leak in the 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 extended to the affected. Rest details soon," Punjab CM Mann tweeted
A team from National Disaster Response Force was at the site, according to the video feed shared by ANI.
NDRF teams have been rushed to the factory and a team of doctors and a fire brigade 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. 9 people died in this incident and 11 are sick," 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.
Police officials were seen patrolling, wearing masks, and asking locals to keep out of a cordoned area, the video showed.
The incident caused panic among the locals, some of whom even left their homes to save lives.
