Panic gripped the Rani Bagh area of Jammu on Saturday after a mysterious gas leaked from a scrap dealer’s shop located near the airport. The incident caused breathlessness and eye irritation among local residents, prompting an immediate response from disaster management teams. Officials have since brought the situation under control and launched a detailed investigation into the nature of the substance.
How did the authorities respond?
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) quickly mobilized to the site. Led by Commandant Zahid Khan, the 10th Battalion personnel used protective gear to secure the abandoned cylinder responsible for the leak. Local police and fire services also assisted in cordoning off the area to ensure public safety.
Authorities have successfully neutralized the immediate threat using specialized equipment. While the exact chemical composition is still being tested, officials have not ruled out the presence of sulfur mustard, a hazardous agent. The cylinder was found just 500 meters from the Jammu Airport, making the quick containment critical for the safety of the region.
What are the safety guidelines for locals?
The district administration has advised residents of Rani Bagh and neighboring localities to stay indoors to avoid exposure. Officials stated that it might take 24 to 48 hours from the time of the incident to declare the area completely safe for normal activity. People are asked to avoid the airport road vicinity until further notice.
A formal probe is now underway to determine how the hazardous cylinder ended up at a civilian scrap shop. Legal action will be taken based on the findings regarding the illegal storage or disposal of such dangerous materials. Fortunately, no fatalities or critical injuries have been confirmed in the last 24 hours.
