Jasmel Singh, a local resident who was based in Abbotsford, Canada, was killed after a blast at his house on Friday.
The incident took place a week ahead of the marriage of the deceased’s daughter, for which preparations were going on in the house.
Victim’s son-in-law Bablu Khera said there was a massive blast in the garage of the house. He said Jasmel Singh died on the spot, while eight others escaped unhurt. He said by the time the fire tender arrived at the site, the entire house was engulfed in fire.
Khera said the reason behind the blast was not known yet. The family had been living in Canada for 30 years, he said.
“The family had organised a religious ceremony that day and after its completion, my father-in-law had gone to the garage when the blast occurred,” said Khora.
Media reports said that the house was ablaze when rescue teams and police reached the spot. “Reasons behind the blast are under investigation,” the Canadian media reported.
Khora added that the gifts and other goods, including jewellery, to be presented to the girl were also gutted. The family suspects a cylinder blast, as sweets were being prepared. Jasmel’s elder daughter, Kirandeep Kaur, requested both the Indian and Canadian governments to help in expeditious issue of visas to family members so that they could participate in the last rites of her father in Canada.
