One dead, several unconscious due to ammonia gas leak in Jalandhar

Jalandhar: Sheetal Singh (68), an employee of Jain Ice Factory on Old Railway Road near Damoria flyover here in September, died after ammonia gas leaked today. The exact cause of the gas leak is yet to be ascertained but it is suspected that it was caused by a pipe burst inside the factory.

The deputy commissioner has ordered SDM Jai Inder Singh to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

The factory has been sealed. The gas leaked between 2 pm and 2.30 pm and spread rapidly, causing panic and shopkeepers immediately shut down their businesses. During this time, four workers were trapped inside the factory and Sheetal Singh died due to suffocation.

The remaining three labourers were rescued in time and their condition is said to be stable.

Local resident Kamlesh Rani said they were taken inside their house by a man who covered their faces as there was a foul smell everywhere.

After receiving the information, teams of fire brigade and division number 3 police station reached the spot and sealed the area. Emergency teams brought the situation under control within two hours.