Bengaluru: Three persons lost their lives while attempting to clean a water sump in Whitefield police station limits in what is suspected to be a case of suffocation due to toxic fumes.
The deceased have been identified as Munishamappa, the homeowner, Rudrakumar, a plumber, and Vishwanath Achari (22), who was reportedly working as a delivery boy.
According to preliminary information, the sump had been constructed nearly 12 years ago and had reportedly not been used for a long period. Over time, waste and stagnant material inside the tank are believed to have decomposed, producing foul gases.
Published In Public Interest by thebengalurulive.com
Police sources said Munishamappa entered the sump to clean it, reportedly after pouring certain chemicals inside to remove accumulated waste. He is believed to have collapsed due to exposure to toxic fumes.
On noticing him in distress, plumber Rudrakumar allegedly entered the sump in an attempt to rescue him but also collapsed inside. Subsequently, Vishwanath Achari, who had come upon the scene after hearing commotion, reportedly went down into the sump to help but similarly succumbed.
All three were declared dead. Their bodies have been shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examination.
Whitefield police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the exact cause of the incident, including whether toxic gases formed due to chemical reaction combined with decomposed waste.
The tragic incident once again highlights the dangers associated with cleaning confined spaces such as water sumps without professional safety equipment and trained personnel.
Further investigation is underway.
