Ludhiana Gas Leak Death Toll Reaches 11; Night-Long Decontamination Efforts Taken Up

Ludhiana: The Giaspura locality in Punjab’s Ludhiana where 11 people died after inhaling toxic gas remained cordoned off on Monday as the district authorities continued with the night-long decontamination process. Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik on Monday said the area was successfully decontaminated.

The whole (Sunday) night, teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the municipal corporation took readings of ambient air quality in the area.

The incident came to light on Sunday morning when some people who came to a local grocery store to buy milk started fainting. Four persons died on the spot while the others were rushed to the hospital.

Punjab Pollution Control Board experts are investigating what led to the buildup of Hydrogen sulphide in the sewer, which is suspected to be the reason behind the tragedy. The toxic gas claimed the lives of 11 persons including three children in Ludhiana’s crowded Giaspura locality on Sunday. High level of Hydrogen sulphide gas was detected in the air of the locality. It is suspected that the toxic gas came out from a sewer.

Four more affected persons are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

A magisterial inquiry has already been ordered into the incident. Police have started investigation after registering an FIR against unknown persons.

Hydrogen sulphide, also called sewer gas, smells like rotten eggs and can lead to fast unconsciousness and death. It is suspected that the poisonous gas was released after some chemical was disposed of in the sewerage in the area.