Major Fire Engulfs Scrap Yard in Moga, Destroying Over a Dozen Vehicles
A substantial fire broke out at a scrap dealer's workshop near Buggipura Chowk in Moga on Saturday, resulting in the complete destruction of over a dozen discarded vehicles. The incident has raised serious safety concerns and prompted an official investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Police Suspect Gas-Cutting Sparks as Initial Cause
According to preliminary police reports, the fire is believed to have originated when a vehicle was being cut using a gas cutter. Sparks from this activity allegedly triggered the initial flames, which then spread rapidly throughout the workshop due to strong winds prevailing in the area at the time.
Officials noted that the presence of inflammable materials and residual diesel in the scrapped vehicles likely contributed significantly to the fire's intensity, making it more difficult to control once it had taken hold.
Firefighting Efforts and Traffic Diversion
Multiple fire tenders were immediately pressed into service upon receiving the alert from Buggipura Chowk. Fireman Jagtar Singh confirmed that the fire brigade responded promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control after sustained efforts.
To prevent the flames from spreading further and ensure public safety, vehicular traffic in the surrounding area was temporarily diverted. This precautionary measure helped contain the fire to the workshop premises and prevented potential damage to nearby structures.
Conflicting Accounts of Fire Origin
While police suspect gas-cutting activity as the likely cause, workshop owner Surinder Singh has offered a different perspective. Singh denied that the fire originated from gas-cutting operations, stating that the exact cause remains to be ascertained.
Singh suggested an alternative possibility, pointing to sparking from high-voltage wires running above the workshop as a potential source of ignition. This conflicting account has added complexity to the investigation into the incident.
Official Investigation Underway
Assistant sub-inspector Mohkam Singh of the Focal Point police post confirmed that a formal inquiry is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Investigators will examine all possible factors, including the gas-cutting activity, electrical infrastructure, and storage conditions at the workshop.
The investigation aims to establish clear responsibility and identify any safety violations that may have contributed to the incident. Findings from this inquiry could lead to improved safety protocols for similar workshops in the region.
This fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with industrial activities involving inflammable materials, particularly in workshops handling discarded vehicles and machinery.
