Textile unit gutted, 8 firemen injured

Nikhil Bhardwaj

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 11

As the summer season is in full swing, the industrial hub of Punjab, Ludhiana, continues to witness major fires. In a fresh fire, the eighth incident in just two weeks, goods and machinery worth several crores were destroyed at the Malika Textile in Industrial Area.

The factory housed on the first and second floor of the building while the ground floor is occupied by a courier company, Ecom Express.

Eight firemen, including a sub fire officer, suffered burns. Four of them suffered 40 per cent burns and were admitted to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). Around 25 fire engines were used and it took about five hours to douse the flames.

Officials of the factory said a short-circuit was the cause of the fire. The ADFO, Surjit Singh, believed that a short-circuit could be the cause but inflammable substances stored in the could also be the reason for the fire. He, however, said the exact cause could be known after investigation.

There were no casualties as the factory was closed. Only a factory guard was present there when the fire broke out.

Deepak Konojia, legal adviser to the firm, said the incident came to light at 6.50 am on Thursday when the factory guard noticed smoke billowing out of a corner of the premises. He also tried to douse the flames with fire extinguishers but failed as the fire aggravated within minutes. He informed the factory owner and fire brigade.

About the estimated loss, Kanojia said several expensive machines, huge stock of garments, yarn and materials were housed in the factory and everything had been reduced to ashes. The loss could be between Rs 8 crore and Rs 10 crore.

Fire officials reject factory claim on safety measure

The ADFO, Surjit Singh, said the factory sans fire safety measures due to which the fire could not be controlled at the first stage. He said the 

department would issue a notice to the factory owner, seeking his explanation. However, legal adviser to the factory Deepak claimed full fire safety measures at the factory.

4 firemen hospitalised with serious burns

Four firemen suffered serious burns when an LPG cylinder lying on the third floor of the factory exploded. Sub fire officer Hazura suffered 40 per cent burns on his chest while firemen Naresh, Lovlesh and Sudagar had 30 per cent burns on face, arms and back. The doctors said the injured firemen were out of danger. Fireman Rajinder, who was along with the four injured firefighters, had a miraculous escape. “The moment I went outside to replace the hose, I heard a huge explosion and saw four of my colleagues being flung metres away. I raised the alarm. Since there was no ambulance, the injured were rushed to the CMCH in ADFO Surjit’s vehicle.

No insurance cover, fire brigade ill-equipped

Firemen alleged that the department was yet to provide them with insurance cover. “The MC is least bothered about our welfare. It has been spending crores on unnecessary things but never comes forward to get us insured,” they said. They said had the firemen provided with proper safety gear, four of them would not have suffered burns while dousing the flames.

Municipal Commissioner meets victims, grants Rs 4 lakh for their treatment

Municipal Commissioner Jaskiran Singh enquired after the injured. He granted Rs 4 lakh for their treatment and announced that the entire medical expenses would be borne by the MC. “Since the firemen do not have any insurance policies, we will soon get them insured,” he added. Mayor HS Gohalwaria also visited the hospital.

Fire incidents in past two weeks

April 26: A yarn mill in Industrial Area (Three persons were killed and one critically injured). 

April 29: Hosiery unit in Daulat Colony. 

April 30: A cycle parts manufacturing unit on Gill Road.   

May 1: Parmeshwari Silk Mills Limited on Rahon Road.

May 5: A chemical factory near Cheema Chowk (two factories and five godowns were gutted in fire). A fire broke out in vacant land on Ferozepur Road where wooden blocks were stocked.

May 7: Dyeing unit in Industrial Area, Extension A.

Firemen rescue six colleagues

Firemen Manpreet (25), Manohar Lal (52), Gurcharan (50) and Inderpreet (25) rescued their six colleagues who were trapped inside the factory after the main shutter fell down. Thick smoke could have proved fatal for them. In no time, the four firefighters opened the shutter with their bare hands and rescued their colleagues.