Three workers were killed and two others were hospitalised following a suspected toxic gas leak at a machine tool manufacturing factory in Punjab, triggering panic and an emergency response from local authorities.
The incident occurred during working hours when employees were present inside the industrial unit. According to preliminary information from officials, workers suddenly complained of breathing difficulties, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes before several of them collapsed inside the premises.
Factory staff immediately alerted emergency services, and a rescue operation was launched by local police and fire brigade teams. The affected workers were rushed to a nearby government hospital, where three of them were declared dead on arrival. The remaining two are currently undergoing treatment, and their condition is reported to be critical but stable.
Authorities suspect that the leak may have originated from a chemical storage or gas-based equipment used in the manufacturing process. However, the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, and a detailed technical investigation has been ordered.
Police officials, along with industrial safety inspectors, have sealed the factory unit and initiated an inquiry to determine whether safety protocols were followed. Preliminary checks are also being conducted to assess whether proper ventilation systems and protective measures were in place at the time of the incident.
Local residents said they noticed a strong odour coming from the industrial area shortly before emergency sirens were heard. Panic spread in the surrounding locality as news of the gas leak broke, prompting authorities to temporarily restrict movement near the factory site.
The district administration has assured that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found on the part of the factory management. Officials also stated that a comprehensive safety audit of nearby industrial units may be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Workplace safety in small and mid-scale industrial units has once again come under scrutiny following the tragedy. Labour officials have been instructed to review compliance with safety standards, including gas handling procedures and emergency preparedness.
As the investigation continues, families of the victims are demanding compensation and accountability. Authorities have said that further details will be released after forensic and technical reports confirm the exact nature of the gas leak and its source.
