Pramesh S Jain
Two workers died and another was rescued after three labourers accidentally fell into a 40-foot-deep sewage treatment plant (STP) tank at Belagere in Varthur on Thursday evening.
According to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),the incident occurred around 6 pm at a sewage treatment facility operated by the board.
One worker was rescued and shifted to a hospital, while the bodies of the two deceased workers,identified as Brijesh and Akhilesh, are yet to be recovered.
BWSSB Chairperson Dr. Manjula,IAS,visited the spot soon after learning of the incident and directed officials to intensify rescue operations.
Authorities said the rescue effort has been hampered by the presence of toxic gases inside the drainage tank and the strong flow of water.
To aid the operation,the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in addition to Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
Officials are pumping oxygen into the tank to neutralise the hazardous gases before NDRF personnel enter the chamber to continue the search for the missing workers.
Senior BWSSB officials remain at the site, and the board has arranged necessary medical and emergency assistance.
Dr.Manjula said a comprehensive inquiry has been ordered into the incident and warned that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for any negligence.
Rescue operations were continuing at the time of filing this report.
