Ludhiana Factory Blast: 1 Dead, Several Feared Trapped

An 18-year-old worker was killed and several others are feared trapped after a matchstick factory building collapsed following an explosion in Jodha village near Ludhiana on Tuesday evening.

The blast, which was heard from a considerable distance, triggered panic among residents in the surrounding area.

According to officials and family members, around 15 people were inside the premises at the time of the incident. The victim’s father said that he and his son were working when a sudden gust of wind disrupted the power supply, following which a fire broke out and a cylinder exploded, leading to the collapse of the structure.

The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, and it remains unclear whether a short circuit triggered the incident.

Mohammad, 18, died after the roof collapsed, while his 16-year-old sister sustained a head injury. The family had reportedly travelled to Ludhiana for work for the first time.

At least four people were injured and shifted to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana for treatment. Reports suggest that two to three families were residing within the factory compound.

Fire brigade teams and ambulances reached the spot soon after the explosion. Fire Officer Rajinder said a distress call was received at 8:20 pm reporting an explosion and building collapse near a government school in Jodha village.

"We arrived with our team, and a fire brigade unit from Mullanpur also reached the spot. When we arrived, the villagers were already actively engaged in rescue operations," he said.

Rescue operations were underway at the time of filing this report.