Fire rips through mattress unit on Basti Peer Dad Road; swift rescue averts casualties
Jalandhar, Punjab — A major fire broke out at a mattress manufacturing unit on Basti Peer Dad Road, within the limits of Basti Bawa Khel police station, on Thursday morning, prompting an extensive firefighting and rescue operation that saved a dozen workers from the conflagration.
Officials said smoke was first noticed at around 9 a.m., and residents alerted emergency services and factory staff. The blaze spread rapidly because of the highly flammable raw materials and finished goods stored inside the premises, producing thick black smoke that witnesses reported seeing from nearly two kilometres away.
Fire department teams reached the site and mounted an intensive response. Nearly 10 fire tenders were rushed to the factory to battle the flames from multiple directions, using continuous water jets in an attempt to bring the situation under control. Police from Basti Bawa Khel also reached the spot and initiated an enquiry.
Around 12 people were rescued from the premises during the operation. Local residents and workers played a role in the initial evacuation, according to officials. There were no immediate reports of fatalities; casualties and the condition of those evacuated were yet to be confirmed as authorities assessed the situation.
- Location: Mattress factory, Basti Peer Dad Road (Basti Bawa Khel police limits)
- Time of first report: Around 9 a.m.
- People rescued: 12
- Fire tenders deployed: Nearly 10
- Probable cause: Preliminary probe suggests a short circuit
Preliminary investigations by the police and fire officials indicate an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, though the exact cause remains under examination and a formal cause has not been confirmed. Officers at the scene said they were inspecting the premises to determine the sequence of events and to estimate the extent of property damage.
The speed with which the fire spread underscores the hazard posed by combustible materials commonly found in mattress manufacturing and storage. Experts and safety officers routinely advise factories handling foam, fabrics and adhesives to maintain strict electrical safety standards, fire-break partitions and clear evacuation routes. It is not yet clear which fire-safety measures were in place at the unit on Basti Peer Dad Road.
| Item | Reported figure / detail |
|---|---|
| Rescued people | 12 |
| Fire tenders | ~10 |
| Time when smoke noticed | ~9 a.m. |
| Police jurisdiction | Basti Bawa Khel |
Fire department personnel continued to douse remaining hotspots and conduct a detailed search of the factory after controlling the main blaze. Basti Bawa Khel police have opened an official investigation and will coordinate with fire officials and any regulatory authorities that oversee industrial safety to determine compliance and responsibility.
Local residents said the incident caused panic in surrounding neighbourhoods as smoke and flames became visible quickly. The rapid deployment of firefighting resources and the timely evacuation helped prevent loss of life, but the financial and employment impact for the factory workforce will depend on the final damage assessment.
Authorities have appealed to factory owners and industrial units across the city to review safety protocols, ensure functional fire-fighting equipment and conduct regular electrical inspections to prevent similar incidents. Further details on damage estimates and any injuries are awaited pending completion of official inquiries.
