11 dead, 4 hospitalised in gas leak in northern india
Photo shows the National Disaster Response Force team at the site. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Eleven people died and four more were hospitalized after a gas leak on Sunday in northern India's Punjab state, local media reported.
The incident occurred at an industrial area in Ludhiana city, but the source of the gas leak is still unclear, police told the Press Trust of India news agency.
India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) sealed off the densely populated area and evacuated residents.
The gas leak happened in Giaspura, an industrial area in Ludhiana. The official said they were yet to ascertain what kind of gas leaked or the source of the leak.
Industrial gas leaks blamed on poor safety standards and insufficient checks are common in India.
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Police officials were seen patrolling, wearing masks, and asking locals to keep out of a cordoned area, the video showed.
NDRF personnel have reached the spot and the entire area has been sealed and locals have been asked to move to safer places.
Official sources said that the condition of nearly 10 people, who complained of breathing problems, is critical. Gas victims have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in a tweet said, "The incident of gas leak of a factory in Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad. Police, government and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being provided. Details soon."
The incident caused panic among the locals, some of whom even left their homes to save lives.
