Daijiworld Media Network – Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 24: A massive fire broke out on Saturday evening in an underground gas pipeline at the Sector 36/37 light point, causing panic among residents and disrupting traffic and movement in the area. The fire, visible from a distance with thick black smoke and high flames, prompted an urgent response from emergency services.

According to initial information, the blaze is believed to have been triggered by a suspected leakage or rupture in the domestic piped natural gas (PNG) line. Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the site, but the firefighting operation faced hurdles due to the high gas pressure within the pipeline.

The situation remained tense as the flames threatened to spread to nearby infrastructure. Authorities acted swiftly by advising residents in adjoining sectors to remain indoors and avoid the affected area.

It reportedly took 20–25 minutes for a team from Indian Oil-Adani Gas Private Limited (IOAGPL) — the firm responsible for the gas supply — to arrive and shut off the flow. The delay in response raised concerns, as emergency contact numbers of the company were allegedly unreachable during the critical window.

By 8:34 pm, the supply was finally cut, allowing the fire brigade to begin effectively controlling the fire. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, and emergency services remain stationed in the area as a precautionary measure.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, even as questions are being raised about the emergency preparedness of gas supply agencies in such high-risk scenarios.