A desperate bid to survive the biting cold of a North Indian winter has claimed two lives in Ludhiana. In a tragic incident, two truck drivers were found dead inside their vehicle at a factory in Bhattiyan village, with preliminary investigations pointing to carbon monoxide poisoning from a coal brazier.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victims have been identified by Punjab Police as Chotu Ram and his nephew Shri Bhagwan. The duo had arrived at the factory on January 5 to collect a shipment of refined oil. According to Gurpreet Singh, the factory's security supervisor, concern arose on Monday morning when the men did not emerge from their truck.
Upon arrival, police found the truck cabin sealed from the inside. Station House Officer Pavitter Singh stated that the men had slept in the cabin after dinner and lit a traditional coal brazier, known locally as an 'angithi', to fight the intense cold. "Preliminary findings suggest the toxic gases released from the coal caused them to suffocate," he explained.
A Struggle for Survival
Investigators noted grim signs indicating the victims' final moments. It appears the men struggled for air and vomited before losing consciousness, tragically unable to reach the door to escape the fumes filling the cramped cabin.
Families Left in Financial Ruin
The sudden deaths have plunged two families into crisis and financial despair. Shri Bhagwan, who had been married for only 18 months, was the sole earning member of his household. His uncle, Chotu Ram, leaves behind a wife, two young children, and a blind brother who was entirely dependent on his modest income.
Forensic teams have been called to the site to officially confirm the cause of death. The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
A Cautionary Tale Amid the Cold
This heartbreaking incident in Ludhiana serves as a stark warning about the dangers of using makeshift heating methods in enclosed spaces during severe cold waves. It highlights the extreme risks taken by essential workers, like long-haul truck drivers, who often face harsh conditions with limited resources for warmth and safety.
