Three workers died on Friday afternoon after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a septic tank at a factory in the Mundka Industrial Area of west Delhi.
After receiving information about the incident, teams from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), police and the local administration rushed to the spot and immediately launched a rescue operation. Following strenuous efforts, the three workers were pulled out of the tank, but they were declared dead.
According to the Delhi Fire Services, the Jwalapuri fire station received a call at around 12:03 pm reporting that several people were trapped inside a septic tank at Factory No. 93/8 in the Mundka Industrial Area.
Fire teams launched rescue operation
Two water tenders were dispatched immediately after the alert. As heavy traffic congestion was reported en route, an additional water tender was sent from the Tikri fire station to ensure there was no delay in the rescue operation.
Firefighters, with the assistance of the local administration and police, began the rescue operation. Given the seriousness of the situation, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mundka was also called to the site through the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Bodies recovered using safety equipment
Rescue personnel entered the septic tank using safety equipment and brought the workers out. However, doctors declared all three dead. Preliminary investigations suggest they suffocated after being exposed to toxic gases that had accumulated inside the septic tank.
Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination and have begun questioning the factory management. Investigators are also examining whether mandatory safety protocols were followed during the cleaning operation and whether the workers had been provided with the required protective equipment. Legal action will be taken against those found negligent.
