CNG Truck Explosion Sparks Panic in Ludhiana's Ghati Mohalla, Narrow Escape for Driver
Panic gripped the Ghati Mohalla area of Sunder Nagar in Ludhiana on Sunday morning as residents were jolted awake by the deafening sound of a loud blast. The source of the commotion was a CNG truck that had transformed into a raging fireball, with flames engulfing the vehicle and spreading alarm throughout the neighborhood.
Immediate Response and Narrow Escape
As soon as residents emerged from their homes, they witnessed the terrifying scene of the truck ablaze. The vehicle was loaded with foam material, commonly used for filling mattresses, which is highly flammable. This contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire. Fortunately, the truck driver managed a narrow escape, moving to safety just before the flames spread uncontrollably.
People who were out for their morning walk raised the alarm immediately upon seeing the burning truck. A large crowd gathered at the site, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the fire brigade to bring the situation under control.
Fire Brigade's Swift Action
The Sunder Nagar fire station, located nearby, responded promptly to the emergency call. Fire tenders reached the scene within 4 to 5 minutes. According to Ravinderjit Singh, a fireman from the Sunder Nagar fire station, they received the distress call at approximately 6:14 AM.
"When we arrived, there was fire all around," Singh recounted. "We doused the flames using our fire tenders and managed to control the blaze in about half an hour. Two fire tenders were deployed to tackle the incident, but unfortunately, the truck was completely damaged by the fire."
Suspected Cause and Resident Concerns
Initial investigations point to a short circuit in overhead electricity wires as the likely cause of the fire. Singh noted that electricity wires pass through the area, and this suspicion was bolstered by complaints from nearby residents. They reported that a sudden short circuit had also damaged AC compressors and other electrical appliances in their homes.
Residents expressed deep concern over the hanging wires in the area, which are not only low but have also been involved in several previous incidents of sparking. The proximity of a hosiery area added to their worries, as they feared that if the truck fire had spread to nearby shops, it could have escalated into a major tragedy.
Community Impact and Safety Reflections
The incident has highlighted significant safety issues in the neighborhood, particularly regarding electrical infrastructure. The quick response of the fire brigade and the driver's timely escape were crucial in preventing more severe consequences. However, the event has left the community shaken and calling for urgent measures to address the hazardous wiring conditions.
As Ludhiana grapples with this alarming event, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance of electrical systems and the need for heightened safety protocols in densely populated urban areas.
