Ludhiana police suspect chemical reaction in sewer behind 11 deaths: What we know so far

LUDHIANA: Eleven people were killed after a gas leak incident in the Giaspura area in this Punjab district on Sunday, while some people were admitted to hospital for a treatment. The area has been cordoned-off and sealed. A 50-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also present on site. The fire officials said that they received the call at around 7.15am about the gas leak and sudden deaths. They rushed to the spot but found people lying unconscious on roadside.
An NDRF official said it was yet to be found which gas caused the deaths. "We will check it first then we will let you know," the official said in a response to a query.

Police said the casualties comprise five females and six males. Two boys aged 10 and 13 are among the 11 who died in the incident.
Incident very painful: Punjab CM
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said the incident was very painful and added that all possible help is being provided.
The incident of gas leak in Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very painful. Teams of police, district administration and NDRF are present on the spot. Every possible help is being provided..," Mann said in a tweet in Punjabi.
FIR filed
An FIR has been lodged against unidentified persons under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of IPC. FIR was lodged on the statements of inspector Inderjit Singh Boparai, SHO Sahnewal police station.

Chemical reaction suspected
The initial probe at the spot has highlighted that some kind of chemical was thrown in a sewer manhole at Sua Road from where a gas spread due to chemical reaction. The sampling of sewer water is being done. Officials said that nearby CCTV cameras will be checked to find out the culprit and FIR will be registered.

Probe underway
Exact reason will only come when we will go to the incident spot. We are waiting for the NDRF, they are specialised in this, said official.
Compensation announced
Ludhiana deputy commissioner Surabhi Malik announced that government will pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to kin of deceased. Whereas, Rs 50,000 will be given to those injured.
Watch Punjab: 11 feared dead, several fell unconscious after gas leak in Ludhiana, NDRF begins rescue work