Day after tragedy at factory, Panchkula Fire Department fails to ascertain cause

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 3

The Panchkula Fire Department has so far struggled to ascertain the cause of the massive fire at a furniture factory in the Industrial Area, Phase II, which left three workers dead yesterday.

Saying that the cause was still “unknown”, District Fire Officer Tarsem today stated their investigation into the incident was underway. He added that the factory had flaws in fire safety measures and “appropriate action” would be taken as per norms.

Meanwhile, the factory owner, Arjun Kakkar, refuted the claim and blamed the fire department for the death of his factory workers.

Speaking to Chandigarh Tribune over the phone, Kakkar said, “There were shortcomings in firefighting operation at my factory. Not just that they responded late, the fire personnel lacked skills to deal with fire incidents. If they had acted actively and timely, precious lives could have been saved.”

Meanwhile, the fourth worker, who sustained severe burn injuries and was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Sector 6, has been shifted to the PGI in Chandigarh in view of his critical condition.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into action to control the massive fire that erupted at Westwood Industries on Tuesday afternoon. The firefighting operation, which lasted for seven hours, saw involvement of over 35 firemen.

Diwali: Leave of fire staff cancelled, duty extended

Terming the next few days “crucial” in view of possibility of mishaps during Diwali, Fire Officer Tarsem said the firemen would be on their toes up to ensure quick response to any exigency. He said they had cancelled leave of firemen till further notice and directed them to work on a 12-hour shift instead of the usual eight-hour duty to ensure the maximum presence of staff for any possible fire mishaps.

DC orders probe into incident

• Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh has ordered an inquiry into the furniture factory fire tragedy and sought a report within two weeks. The SDM, Panchkula, has been asked to probe the matter.

CM announces compensation

• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs2 lakh each to families who lost a member in the furniture factory fire tragedy and assistance of Rs50,000 to those who were injured.
• Haryana Speaker and local MLA Gian Chand Gupta had apprised the Chief Minister about the incident.
• Three people had lost their lives in the incident, while another is receiving treatment at the PGI in Chandigarh.