Father gone, son fights on

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 21

A father-son duo, both employees of the local fire department, went all out yesterday to save those trapped under the debris of the factory building. The father’s body was found today.

Raj Kumar (47) was a sub fire officer, while his son, Sunny Kumar, works as a fireman. “We had doused fires many times in the past. I never knew that this would turn out to be our last operation,” a wailing Sunny said.

Raj was posted at the clock tower office of the department, while Sunny was deployed at the Gill road office.

Sunny, who had joined the department about five months ago, said he and his father met each other at the entrance to the building.

“I was then told by my senior to accompany the driver and get the fire tender refilled. When I returned to the spot, the building had collapsed. My eyes searched desperately for my father,” he said. A colleague of Raj Kumar said Sunny bravely took part in the rescue operation.

Hopes shattered 

Sub fire officer Shamoun Gill's nephew Abhishek said the former had recently received a call from the Chandigarh office. “Two days ago, he told us that he was likely to be promoted as fire officer. But it was not to be,” said Abhishek. Gill's birthday was coming up on November 24 and he had promised to throw a grand party if he got promoted. His daughter, Shehnaz Gill, had bought a gold ring to give him a surprise gift on his birthday. The promotion of senior fire officer Rajinder Sharma, whose head was found severed, was also due. “I will be more than happy if I sacrifice my life while saving the lives of others,” he had once told to his friend.