A family, including several children, narrowly escaped a major tragedy on Monday night in Ludhiana after a cooking gas cylinder ignited in the densely populated Jawahar Nagar camp. The incident, which occurred during dinner preparations, is the third fire linked to gas cylinders in the city within the last fortnight, raising fresh and urgent concerns over fire safety in congested residential pockets.
Immediate Panic and Evacuation Efforts
The blaze reportedly began when gas leaked from a supply pipe and ignited, quickly engulfing the kitchen. As flames intensified, family members fled the home, alerting neighbours with desperate screams for help. A witness described the scene, stating, "The flames spread quickly, creating panic among the neighbours. In such a crowded area, the fear was that the fire would jump to adjacent houses or cause a massive explosion."
Neighbours played a crucial role in the immediate evacuation of the children before summoning the fire brigade. Their quick thinking and assistance helped ensure that everyone got out safely, despite the rapidly spreading fire.
Fire Department Response and Damage Assessment
While the interior of the home sustained significant damage, fire officials arrived in time to prevent the cylinder from detonating, averting what could have been a catastrophic explosion. A fire department spokesperson commented, "Our team took immediate control of the situation upon arrival. The fire originated from the cylinder pipe. Because it was brought under control quickly, there were no injuries or loss of life."
Recent Cylinder-Related Incidents in Ludhiana
This incident follows two other recent cylinder-related emergencies in the city, highlighting a troubling pattern:
- In Janakpuri, a cylinder blast caused extensive property damage earlier this month.
- In a separate incident, three children sustained burn injuries in a fire sparked during an illegal gas decanting operation.
Authorities' Warnings and Safety Concerns
Authorities have frequently warned the public against the dangers of faulty regulators and pipes, especially in high-density areas like Jawahar Nagar. These localities often face restricted access for emergency vehicles, complicating rescue efforts and increasing risks during such incidents.
The repeated occurrences of gas cylinder fires in Ludhiana underscore the need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness to prevent future tragedies in residential areas.
