LPG leak ignites massive blaze at a Kotkapura residence
Early Monday morning, a dwelling on Labbu Ram Street in Kotkapura went up in flames after a suspected LPG leak. Within moments the fire surged, and two gas cylinders detonated, sending a thick column of smoke across the neighbourhood.
Where and when it happened
The house, located close to Dera Sat Kartar, first drew attention when neighbors observed dense smoke billowing from the roof. The inferno quickly intensified, followed by the audible blasts of the two cylinders.
Owner absent during the incident
The property belongs to Shyam Lal Dhingra, who was traveling with his family to Sri Muktsar Sahib for a relative’s funeral. Consequently, no family member was present when the fire erupted.
Fire‑fighting response
Local fire squads arrived promptly after the alarm. As the blaze overwhelmed the first engine, a larger fire tender was dispatched to reinforce the operation. Firefighters combated the flames for several minutes before finally gaining control.
Scale of the damage
When the fire was finally doused, the majority of household items had turned to ash. Furniture, kitchenware and personal effects were severely damaged. The family estimates the total loss at roughly ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
Official comments and plea for support
Fire officer Sukhwinder Singh said a gas leak is the most probable cause and confirmed the explosions of the two cylinders. The Dhingra family, along with nearby residents, have appealed to authorities for financial aid to help them rebuild.
Ongoing investigation
Investigators have opened a case to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the leak and the subsequent fire.
