Gas leakage claims two lives; factory owner arrested

Lucknow, Aug 12 (UNI) A plastic factory owner was arrested today following the death of two persons due to gas leak in the factory at Sarojini Nagar area here.

Police said factory owner Manoj Kumar had been arrested while efforts to nab the manager and others is on.

According to sources, Chotu (15) died on the night of August 9 after battling for life for two days, whereas Kallu (16) died last night at King George's Medical University and hospital.

Other gas affected patients were being treated in the hospital.

The labourers claimed that a 'poisonous gas' had leaked from the factory furnace on Monday. The factory is located in Ghulab Khera village of Sarojini Nagar on the outskirts of the capital city. Discarded plastic is melted in the factory to be used as raw material for manufacturing pipes.

The matter came in to light after the gram pradhan informed the police about the death of Chotu.

Police claimed some of the patients admitted to hospital were behaving erratically when health officials were taking them to hospital. Most of those affected belonged to Banthara.

UNI