At least three people died in a suspected case of asphyxiation while cleaning a rainwater harvesting pit in Bengaluru on Saturday. The incident occurred near Immadihalli Temple Circle, behind Panchamuki Anjaneya Temple, under the jurisdiction of Whitefield Police Station.
The deceased have been identified as Munishamappa (67), Rudrakumar (40), and Vishwanath Achari (24). Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
According to the police, Munishamappa, the homeowner, had constructed the rainwater harvesting pit nearly 12 years ago but had not used it for a long period. Over time, stagnant water and waste materials accumulated inside, producing a foul odour.
On Saturday, Munishamappa reportedly entered the pit to clean it using certain chemicals. Shortly after entering the confined space, he experienced breathing difficulties and lost consciousness.
Rudrakumar, a plumber, then went inside the pit in an attempt to rescue him. However, he too collapsed due to suffocation. Later, Vishwanath Achari, a delivery worker who arrived at the scene and noticed the situation, entered the pit but also fainted after inhaling what are suspected to be toxic fumes.
Neighbours rushed the three men to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield Division), said prima facie the deaths appear to have been caused by inhalation of toxic gases inside the confined water sump.
Police suspect that harmful gases had accumulated inside the unused pit and that the use of chemicals may have intensified the toxic environment. Authorities are awaiting further examination reports to determine the exact cause of death.
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