Uttar Pradesh: Seven killed in gas leak in Sitapur, five of one family

At least seven labourers were killed reportedly due to a gas leak in a pipeline situated between a carpet and an acid factory in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

Five of the deceased are said to belong to one family. The deceased include three men, one woman and three children. The incident took place in Biswan police circle in Jalalpur area.

According to sources, the gas leak took place early on Thursday morning and senior district officials have rushed to the site of the incident which took place in a factory manufacturing 'durries' (cotton rugs).

"We are on the spot. More details are awaited," a senior official said. District Magistrate Akhilesh Tiwari said a rescue operation is being carried out.

The administration has confirmed the death of seven people including three children.

The factory owner is at large after the incident, officials said.

Meanwhile, taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his condolence and directed officials to provide all possible help to the affected people and initiate strict action against the guilty.

Police and the district collector have also rushed to the site of the incident.

The local people have been evacuated from the village and efforts are on to plug the leak in the gas pipeline.