Suspected gas leak: 2 dozen students in Punjab’s Nangal hospitalised after discomfort in breathing

Twenty-four students of a private school were admitted to a hospital here after they complained of difficulty in breathing following a suspected gas leak from an industrial unit on Thursday

Twenty-four students of a private school were admitted to a hospital here after they complained of difficulty in breathing following a suspected gas leak from an industrial unit on Thursday, said officials.

Students of a private school, hospitalised after a gas leakage incident took place in a factory near to the school in Rupnagar district of Punjab on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

One of the students was later sent to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, they said. The incident in Nangal area took place Thursday morning when some students started complaining of difficulty in breathing. The school was immediately shut and affected students were taken to a hospital, they said.

Rupnagar deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Preeti Yadav said 24 students were referred to the hospital and most of them have been discharged. “Four to five students were under observation,” she said. The student who was referred to PGIMER was also stable, she said.

A committee of officers and experts from the Punjab Pollution Control Board has been formed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Officials said they suspected the gas leaked from an industrial unit in the area. The DCP said the source of the leak was being ascertained but the situation is under control now.

Punjab education minister Harjot Bains also visited the spot and took stock of situation. He has ordered inquiry into the matter. He also spoke with the PGIMER authorities. He said that the state government has asked PPCB to conduct inquiry, and strict action would be taken against the guilty, whosoever it be.