Ludhiana — A powerful blast at the Verka Milk Plant in Ludhiana late Wednesday night claimed one life and left six others injured, police said.
Preliminary reports suggest the explosion was caused by a technical fault in the plant’s air heater. The impact of the blast created panic among workers on the night shift, prompting an immediate emergency response.
A team from Sarabha Nagar police station reached the site soon after the incident to carry out rescue operations and begin an investigation. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
Authorities have cordoned off the area as a precaution and are examining the machinery to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Officials from the Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (MILKFED), which operates Verka, are also assessing the damage.
Police said further action will be taken once the forensic and technical reports are received.