Bengaluru, June 19: A tragic accident at the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Belagere, Varthur, claimed the lives of two workers after they accidentally fell into a 40-foot-deep sewage tank on Thursday evening. One worker was rescued and shifted to a hospital, while intensive recovery operations are underway to retrieve the bodies of the deceased workers.
According to BWSSB, the incident occurred at around 6 pm when three workers fell into the sewage pumping wet well at the Varthur STP facility. The workers have been identified as Brijesh, Akhilesh and Vinoth D.S. As per the preliminary information available, Vinoth was rescued and admitted to hospital, while Brijesh and Akhilesh lost their lives in the accident.
Immediately after receiving information about the incident, BWSSB Chairperson Dr. Manjula IAS visited the spot and reviewed the rescue operations. Senior BWSSB officials have remained at the site to coordinate rescue efforts and provide all necessary support.
NDRF Called In
Officials said rescue operations have been severely hampered due to the presence of toxic gases inside the sewage tank and the strong flow of wastewater within the structure.
To accelerate the operation and ensure safe recovery of the victims, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed at the site in addition to Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
Before rescue personnel can enter the tank, oxygen is being pumped into the structure to neutralise the toxic atmosphere and make conditions safer for search operations. Once the gas levels are brought under control, NDRF teams will descend into the tank and continue recovery efforts.
Inquiry Ordered
BWSSB Chairperson Dr. Manjula said a comprehensive inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
She stated that any negligence found during the investigation would be dealt with strictly and that action would be initiated against those responsible.
The Board has assured that all possible resources are being deployed to complete the recovery operation and provide assistance to the affected families.
The incident has once again raised concerns about worker safety standards and hazardous conditions faced by personnel working in sewage treatment and underground utility infrastructure across urban centres.
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