CHANDIGARH, May 13– A large fire broke out Monday afternoon at an ink-manufacturing factory in Industrial Area Phase-2, prompting a major emergency response and raising fresh concerns over safety measures at facilities handling flammable materials.
The incident occurred around 3:05 p.m. at Plot No. 124, where a factory producing ink was quickly engulfed by flames. Thick black smoke rose high above the industrial zone, drawing the attention of nearby workers and residents.
“We were alerted at 3:05 p.m., and immediately dispatched multiple units,” said Tarsem, Fire Station Officer at Sector 5, who led the firefighting operation. “It was a major blaze. We had to use nearly 30 foam cans to bring it under control.”
A total of twelve fire tenders responded to the call — including seven from Sector 5, two from Sector 20, one from Barwala, and two more from Mani Majra. Firefighters worked for over two-and-a-half hours before extinguishing the flames.
Fortunately, all employees had exited the premises by the time the fire brigade arrived. “No one was injured,” confirmed a fire department official. Local police cordoned off the area to prevent any secondary incidents and assist emergency teams.
Authorities said the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. An investigation has been initiated, but officials noted that the factory owner was unable to provide any information that could assist in the inquiry.
As the smoke cleared, questions resurfaced about industrial safety protocols in units dealing with volatile chemicals. “This fire once again puts a spotlight on the need for stricter safety compliance in such facilities,” said a senior fire department official.
