Goods worth lakhs destroyed in fire at leather factory

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 5

Goods and machinery worth lakhs were destroyed in a major fire that broke out at a leather factory situated in Phase 7, Focal Point, this morning. More than 24 fire engines were put into use to completely douse the flames in eight hours.

Two firemen suffered injuries as a cemented shed on which they were standing collapsed.

According to sources, the fire broke out at Chopra Industries Private Limited around 10.30 am. A call was received at the fire control room at 10.53 am.

The fire officials said the fire broke out on the first floor where a huge quantity of leather goods, mainly seat covers, and machinery were lying. They suspect there was chemical stocked on the first floor which caused the fire to become intense.

The officials said there were no fire extinguishers at the factory. Nor had the factory owner obtained the NOC from the Fire Department.

Two firemen, who were dousing the flames while standing on a cemented shed on the first floor, suffered injuries as the shed collapsed. They were trying to prevent the fire from spreading on to an adjoining factory. They have been identified as Harinder Singh and Surinder Singh.

The officials said sparking in electricity wires could be the cause of fire, but the exact cause could be ascertained only after a thorough investigation.