Muzaffarnagar: A distressing incident unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, where two laborers, engaged in the sewer line cleansing task in Nagar Kotwali region of Muzaffarnagar district, met their demise due to alleged asphyxiation on Monday, April 22, as per a local authority. The departed souls are Shamim, aged 62, hailing from Khalapar within the city, and Wajid, aged 27, residing in Gahrbagh.
The official account reveals that these two laborers commenced their sewer cleaning duty on the fateful Monday evening. While engrossed in this hazardous task, they faced asphyxiation when the manhole cover unexpectedly sealed shut.
Upon sensing imminent danger, the distressed duo raised a cry for help, drawing the attention of nearby residents who swiftly assembled at the scene. A challenging rescue operation ensued, culminating in the successful extrication of both individuals.
Concurrently, the local populace promptly alerted the authorities and summoned an ambulance. Upon receiving the distress call, law enforcement swiftly arrived at the location and managed to transport both laborers to the district hospital. Regrettably, despite receiving medical attention, both individuals succumbed to their condition while undergoing treatment, as stated by an official source. In response to this tragic occurrence, the police have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Coincidentally, another asphyxiation-related incident unfolded in Maharashtra on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, resulting in the loss of six lives during a valiant effort to rescue a cat from an abandoned well in the Ahmednagar area of the state.
The deceased individuals were identified as Manikrao Govind Kale (aged 65), Sandeep Manik Kale (aged 36), Anil Bapurao Kale (aged 58), Vishal Anil Kale (aged 23), and Babasaheb Pawar.
Subsequent to this tragic event, the Police have issued a precautionary advisory urging citizens to exercise vigilance and implement preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future, particularly by securing the multitude of abandoned wells prevalent in the region.