Gas leak triggers massive blaze in Kotkapura residence
Early Monday morning, a dwelling on Labbu Ram Street in Kotkapura was engulfed in flames after a suspected gas leak. Within moments the fire intensified, and two LPG cylinders inside the house detonated, spewing a thick column of smoke throughout the neighborhood.
Where and when it happened
The property, located near Dera Sat Kartar, first drew attention when nearby residents saw dense smoke pouring from the rooftop. The situation escalated quickly, and the thunderous bursts of the two cylinders could be heard echoing across the street.
Owner away at the time
The house belongs to Shyam Lal Dhingra, who was out of town with his family in Sri Muktsar Sahib for a relative’s funeral. Consequently, no family member was present when the fire erupted.
Fire‑fighting response
Local fire squads responded swiftly after the alarm was raised. As the blaze proved too fierce for the first unit, a larger fire tender was dispatched to bolster the effort. Firefighters battled the inferno for several minutes before finally gaining control.
Extent of the damage
When the flames were finally extinguished, the majority of the household’s possessions had turned to ash. Furniture, kitchenware, and personal belongings suffered severe damage, with the family estimating losses between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh.
Official comments and call for assistance
Fire officer Sukhwinder Singh said a gas leak is the most probable cause and confirmed the explosions of the two cylinders. The Dhingra family, together with local residents, have appealed to authorities for financial aid to help them rebuild.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the leak and the subsequent fire.
