Major fire in Ludhiana factory, 2 minors killed

A major fire broke out at a cycle spare parts unit in Millar Ganj's Kalsian street on Monday morning, claiming the lives of two minors and leaving two other minors injured. The deceased, Rehan (17) and Niyaj Babu (15), were residents of Bihar, while the injured, Aarif and Ali (both 15), were not employees but visitors.

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Eyewitnesses reported a sudden blast in the furnace, causing the fire on Monday. The fire brigade arrived at 11 am and firefighters controlled the blaze without knowing two persons were trapped inside. The bodies were discovered in the unit's washroom during a subsequent search.

The unit's owner, Gurpreet Singh, and contractor, Sonu, were booked by the police. SHO police division 6 Inspector Kulwant Kaur said cycle seat covers were being manufactured and flammable materials contributed to the fire's spread. There were no arrangement made inside the factory to control fire.

Leading fireman Vijay Kumar revealed that they were initially unaware of anyone being inside the unit. The fire was brought under control within an hour using two fire tenders.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kulwant Sidhu, who visited the site, alleged that the unit lacked safety measures, compromising worker safety. He vowed to take strict action against those responsible.