Sign in

Before Noida techie's death in Sector 150 pit, a close shave for truck driver

Two weeks before the tragic death of Yuvraj Mehta, a truck driver found himself in a similar situation near the same pit.

Published on: Jan 20, 2026, 15:49:32 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Amid the row over the death of a 27-year-old man from Noida who drowned after his car fell into a water-filled ditch in Sector 150, a similar incident at the same spot has come to light.

Noida: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team commences operations in a water-filled pit at a construction site following the death of a 27-year-old engineer who drowned there, in Noida, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI01_20_2026_000133A) (PTI)
Noida: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team commences operations in a water-filled pit at a construction site following the death of a 27-year-old engineer who drowned there, in Noida, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI01_20_2026_000133A) (PTI)

Two weeks before the tragic death of Yuvraj Mehta, a truck driver found himself in a similar situation near the same pit.

Speaking to NDTV, Gurvinder Singh revealed that he fell into the ditch after his truck hit the drain wall and overshot.

Also Read | 'Roads kill, bridges kill': Rahul Gandhi's fiery attack on Noida techie’s death in freak mishap

"The front tyres were in the air, and the middle ones got stuck on the wall. I jumped off the truck and landed in neck-deep water," he told the media house. Singh added that he fell into the ditch at around 12:30 AM and two hours later, cops arrived at the scene.

However, his rescue did not take place until 4 AM, when local residents responded to his pleas for help and pulled him out.

A similar testimony was given by Moninder, the delivery agent who dived into the pit to save Mehta. As per a PTI report, the delivery agent cited Singh's incident and the driver was rescued by locals using ropes and a ladder, while the officials did nothing.

When asked if a team from Noida authority came to his rescue, the truck driver told NDTV that they reached out to him the next day and asked for money due to the damage caused to the drain wall.

"A team from the authority came around noon and asked who would pay for the damaged wall. I told them that I barely survived," Singh told NDTV.

Furthermore, a report by PTI claims that the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department flagged the need to drain the excess water back in 2023, but the project never materialised.

The report added that the state authorities reportedly wrote to the Noida authority, directing the installation of regulators in Sector 150 to channelise the excess water into the Hindon river, but no action was taken.

Techie's death sparks row as residents demand action against Noida authority

Following the untimely death of Mehta, the Uttar Pradesh government removed the Noida Authority chief executive officer Lokesh M and has ordered a probe into the death.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also taken cognizance of the issue and called for an SIT probe into the incident.

Yuvraj Mehta drowned to death after his car fell into a water-filled ditch in Noida. As per eyewitnesses, Mehta managed climb onto the roof of his submerged car and called his father.

Emergency services, including the fire department and State Disaster Response Force were also alerted, but the rescue efforts were thwarted by darkness, dense fog and the pit's distance from the road.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.