Two Youths Die of Suspected Chemical Suffocation in Mumbai
Two young men died in Mumbai after a suspected chemical leak from an electroplating shop caused suffocation inside a public toilet.
A tragic incident has unfolded in Mumbai where two young men lost their lives due to suspected chemical suffocation inside a public toilet. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has led to the registration of an FIR following a suspected leak from a nearby commercial establishment.
The Tragic Sequence of Events
The victims, identified as 24-year-old Prabhakar Dhanivar and 18-year-old Bhavin Desai, were reportedly part of a group of friends who had gathered under a bridge near Ram Mandir (East) after having dinner. According to one of their friends, Rohit Vairagi, the incident took place between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM.
The group noticed that Prabhakar and Bhavin had gone to use the public washroom located opposite the Parsi Panchayat Gate near Mrunaltai Bridge. When the two failed to return after half an hour, their friends attempted to contact them repeatedly. After receiving no response to nearly 20 calls, the group went to investigate.
Upon reaching the facility, they found one door open with one individual lying unconscious inside. After pulling him out, they discovered the second door was locked from the inside. They were forced to break the door open to rescue the second victim. Both youths were rushed to the Trauma Care Hospital, but medical professionals declared them brought dead.
Chemical Leak Suspected from Nearby Shop
Preliminary investigations by the authorities suggest that the suffocation was caused by a chemical leak originating from a nearby business. DCP Gajanan Rajmane (Zone 12) stated that the leak appears to have come from Sai Electroplate, a chemical shop located in the vicinity.
- Location: Opposite Parsi Panchayat Gate, near Mrunaltai Bridge, Ram Mandir (East), Mumbai.
- Suspected Source: Sai Electroplate, owned by Navinchandra Chawda.
- Victims: Prabhakar Dhanivar (24) and Bhavin Desai (18).
The severity of the chemical presence in the area was highlighted by Rohit Vairagi, who claimed that he himself developed skin rashes, suggesting the fumes were highly potent and widespread.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been informed of the incident, and local police are taking the matter seriously. An FIR is currently being registered in connection with the deaths. The police are investigating the negligence of the electroplating shop owner regarding the storage and potential leakage of hazardous chemicals.
Authorities have indicated that an official press note will be issued as the investigation progresses to determine the exact nature of the chemical involved and the specific circumstances that led to this fatal leak.