Chandigarh, Sept. 4 -- A major tragedy was averted following a chlorine gas leak from a cylinder at a tubewell in Indira Colony in Manimajra on Wednesday.

According to fire brigade officials, they received a call at around 9.30 am from residents that they were feeling suffocated after inhaling the gas. They said that few locals are also falling unconscious in the area.

A fire brigade team from the Manimajra station quickly arrived in the area. Officials said they first attempted to control the leak with water but then decided to evacuate the cylinder, placing it in a nearby swimming pool to neutralise the gas and prevent harm to the public.

Around eight to 10 fire men reportedly felt uneasy after inhaling the toxic gas and were given f...