**LPG Tanker Fire Incident Claims Three Lives in Punjab**
The tragic LPG tanker fire incident in Punjab has resulted in a death toll of three, as one more victim succumbed to severe burn injuries. The incident occurred late Friday night, around 10 PM, near Mandiala Adda on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road, when an LPG tanker exploded following a collision with another vehicle. Initially, two individuals lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries in the explosion.
According to police reports, the fire spread rapidly, affecting approximately 15 shops and four to five residential houses in the area. Dharminder Verma, a 28-year-old resident of Mandiala village, died while being transported to a hospital in Amritsar. Civil Surgeon Dr. Pawan Kumar confirmed that Verma had suffered extensive burn injuries and was referred to the Government Medical College, Amritsar, but unfortunately did not survive the journey.
The other two victims were identified as Sukhjeet Singh, the tanker driver from Dehlon in Ludhiana district, and Balwant Rai from Mandiala village. In response to the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised free medical treatment for the injured.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply pained to learn about the tragedy that has taken away innocent lives and caused injuries to many.”
Earlier in the day, residents of Mandiala and nearby villages protested by blocking traffic on both sides of the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road for over three hours, demanding compensation and accountability for the incident. The protest ended after Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gursimranjeet Kaur assured the demonstrators that their demands would be addressed.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, along with other officials, expressed solidarity with the affected families, labeling the incident as “deeply unfortunate.” Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who visited the injured in the hospital, called for a thorough investigation into allegations of illegal gas refilling related to the tanker. He also advocated for substantial compensation for the families of the deceased and those whose properties were damaged.
BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna and former MLA Mohinder Kaur Josh also visited the hospital to check on the injured. The administration has pledged to provide all necessary support to those affected by this devastating incident.
**FAQ**
**What caused the LPG tanker fire incident in Punjab?**
The LPG tanker fire was triggered by a collision with another vehicle, leading to an explosion that resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.
