The Punjab government and Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each for the deceased persons of Doraha gas leak incident. While those under treatment at various hospitals of the district would be given free treatment by the Punjab government. This was informed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker Dr Charanjit Singh Atwal, who visited all the victims of gas leak incident today.Atwal said that this was the first of its kind tragic incident in the state and lauded the efforts of District Administration, Khanna Police, Fire Brigade tenders from Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh and all other social organisations which took part in the rescue operations. Two companies of NDRF-from Ladhowal and Bathinda also rushed to the spot. The tanker from which gas leak occurred has also been parked at a secluded place.
Civil Surgeon Ludhiana Dr Renu Chhatwal informed that due to the tragic Ammonia Gas Leak incident at Doraha late last night, five persons have died, while a total of 190 were hospitalised in various hospitals of the district. She informed that at present, around 110 people are still hospitalised while the remaining have been discharged. She informed that the deceased persons have been identified as Satpal (60) and Ranjodh Singh (45), both residents of Doraha, Avitejinder Singh Kler (28), Rahul in his 30s and one person is yet to be identified.Accompanied by Jathedar Santa Singh Umedpuri, District President (Rural), Shiromani Akali Dal, Ludhiana, Baba Jagroop Singh, chairman, Market Committee, Sahnewal and other leaders and district administration officials, Dr Charanjit Singh Atwal visited all the hospitals where the victims of gas leak are under treatment.
While speaking to the media persons, Dr Atwal lauded the efforts of the district administration in bringing the situation under control. He said that after coming to know about this tragic incident, Deputy Commissioner Rajat Agarwal, ADC Khanna Ajay Sood, SSP Khanna Gurpreet Singh Gill and other senior officials rushed to the spot and started the rescue operation. He also thanked private hospitals who immediately deputed their ambulances on the spot. He said that this incident took place due to the error of truck driver, whose whereabouts are yet to be ascertained.Dr Atwal said that the Chief Minister is keeping a close watch on the situation and has assured all possible help to the victims.It is pertinent to mention that the district administration officials worked wholeheartedly to shift the victims to safer places. When ADC Ajay Sood reached the spot, he and other officials were not carrying masks. That is why, Ajay Sood tore off his shirt and used it as mask and even gave to other persons involved in the rescue operation.
ADC Ajay Sood informed that he came to know about this incident at around 12 midnight from SSP Khanna. He informed that both of them rushed to the spot immediately and took charge of the situation.The victims of Gas leak are undergoing treatment at SPS Apollo Hospital, Mohan Dai Oswal Hospital, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital and Civil Hospital in Ludhiana city, while some are admitted in private and government hospitals of Khanna area. Satpal and Ranjodh Singh were cremated at Doraha today evening.