Four labourers suffocate to death while cleaning water tank in Mumbai

NEW DELHI: Four labourers lost their lives due to suffocation while cleaning a water tank at an under-construction building in Mumbai’s Nagpada area on Sunday, officials said. The fifth worker survived and is currently undergoing treatment at JJ Hospital.

"Five persons entered the tank and fell unconscious. They were rescued by fire brigade personnel and rushed to JJ Hospital, where doctors declared four dead on arrival," a civic official told PTI.

The deceased were identified as Hasipal Shaikh (19), Raja Shaikh (20), Jiaulla Shaikh (36), and Imandu Shaikh (38), while the survivor, Purhan Shaikh (31), is being treated at Ward No 4 of the hospital.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 12.30pm at the Bismillah Space building on Dimtimkar Road.

The police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and launched an investigation to determine whether safety protocols were followed.

"A probe has begun to find out lapses, if any, on the part of those who hired the five and whether safety protocols were adhered to. Action will follow as per the findings of the probe," an official from JJ Marg police station told PTI.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, along with Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel and local police, are on-site as part of the ongoing investigation.

Friends and families of the victims gathered at JJ Hospital's casualty ward, expressing grief and anger. Some family members alleged that the tank had not been cleaned for two years, leading to the accumulation of toxic gases, which could have caused the suffocation.