Moga: A cleaning operation took place at a local rice mill in Lohgarh village under the Dharamkot subdivision on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one laborer and the hospitalization of two others due to toxic gas inhalation. The tragic incident occurred at the JB Sheller facility while the workers were performing routine maintenance inside a deep elevator well.
The victims had descended into a pit measuring approximately 20 feet deep to clear debris from the elevator system. Almost immediately after entering the confined space, the three laborers encountered a high concentration of toxic gases that had accumulated at the bottom of the well. The overwhelming fumes caused them to lose consciousness within minutes, trapping them inside the pit.
Local residents and workers at the facility immediately raised an alarm and contacted emergency services. A team from the 108 Ambulance service arrived promptly at the location but encountered significant challenges due to the high density of noxious fumes, which initially prevented them from safely reaching the trapped individuals. The local Fire Brigade was subsequently summoned to assist in the rescue operation. Firefighters managed to neutralize the atmosphere and lower the gas concentration by spraying water into the well, allowing responders to safely extract the unconscious men.
The three laborers were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Moga for emergency medical intervention. Upon arrival, attending doctors declared one of the workers, identified as Gurdeep Singh, a resident of Ghall Kalan village, dead on arrival. Medical professionals confirmed that Singh had succumbed to asphyxiation before reaching the hospital. The remaining two laborers, including Jaspreet Singh of Ghall Kalan, received immediate primary medical care and were discharged after their clinical conditions stabilized. The local police have taken custody of the body for a post-mortem examination and have initiated an official investigation into the safety protocols maintained at the industrial site.
