Mohali, July 3 -- The Monday morning fire at a factory in Phase 5, Industrial Area, that left three dead, including a nine-month-old baby, was triggered by a cylinder blast inside an unauthorised kitchen set up, police probe has revealed.

While police confirmed that the unit lacked basic fire safety provisions, no FIR has been lodged so far.

Investigating officer Jagat Pal said a 5-kg LPG cylinder, placed inside a makeshift cabin used as a kitchen, exploded around 9.15 am while a domestic helper Babita was preparing tea, with her infant daughter laying nearby.

The resulting fire intensified quickly due to presence of engine oil and electrical equipment inside the unit. While five workers escaped, Varinder, the tenant who had rented the...