Worker dies, another critical after inhaling toxic gases in Faridabad sewer

The workers allegedly lacked expertise and safety equipment. Firefighters later used exhaust fans before entering the manhole to rescue the victim.

A worker died and another was critical after allegedly inhaling toxic gases while they were cleaning a sewer line without safety equipment in Faridabad, police said on Tuesday.

Police identified the victim Mohammad Aslam (35) and Bunty Kumar (30), both residents of Ashiana flats in sector 56.

The incident took place between noon and 12.20pm on Monday in front of plot number 132 in sector 25. Police said an automobile spare parts manufacturing firm located on the plot had hired the three workers to clean the manhole and sewer line three days earlier.

The workers had little expertise in cleaning manholes and sewer lines and were not provided safety equipment, investigators said. Aslam entered the manhole first, followed by Bunty. As he was the cleaning, Aslam went deeper into the pipe. He then collapsed due to a suspected buildup of toxic gases and fell in, officers added.

Bunty entered the manhole in an attempt to rescue Aslam after tying a rope around him. However, he too became disoriented and fainted, falling into the sewer. Their third colleague, who remained outside, then raised an alarm.

A nearby patrol team and firefighters reached the spot. “They installed exhaust fans to push out toxic gases and entered inside the manhole wearing safety equipment and pulled Aslam out,” Yadav said. However, about half-an-hour had passed by this time. Aslam was declared dead on arrival at the civil hospital.

Police said the factory owner fled after learning of Aslam’s death. His home was found locked, and his family could not be traced.

On Aslam’s sister’s complaint, police registered an FIR against the owner under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Sector-58 police station late Monday. Aslam’s body was handed over to his family after an autopsy on Tuesday.