UP: Toxic gas exposure kills 4 students inside underground water tank in Vrindavan
Four students aged 17-20 died after being exposed to toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a Gurukulam in Vrindavan, UP.
A horrific tragedy has struck a residential educational institution in Vrindavan, where four students lost their lives after being exposed to suspected toxic gas inside an underground water tank. The incident occurred at a Sanskrit school, known as a Gurukulam, in the Chaitanya Vihar area of Mathura district.
A Fatal Attempt to Clean the Tank
The tragedy unfolded when students noticed a foul smell emanating from an underground submersible tank, which is approximately 12 to 14 feet deep. According to District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, the students first attempted to drain the water using a motor. Once the water level was reduced, they began the cleaning process.
The sequence of events turned fatal when one student descended into the tank to begin cleaning. Shortly after entering, he lost consciousness, likely due to the accumulation of toxic gases. In a desperate attempt to rescue their peer, four other students also entered the tank. Within moments, all five students were rendered unconscious by the invisible fumes.
Casualties and Survivor Details
Emergency responders and onlookers managed to pull the unconscious students from the depths of the tank and rushed them to the hospital. However, the efforts were in vain for four of them. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar confirmed that the four deceased students were aged between 17 and 20 years. Their bodies have been moved to the mortuary, and their families are being notified.
One student, identified as Rudra, miraculously survived the ordeal. While he was initially treated at the district hospital and is reportedly conscious and able to speak, doctors have referred him to a higher medical facility for intensive monitoring and better care.
Investigation and Accountability
The incident has drawn immediate attention from the highest levels of government. The Chief Minister has taken cognisance of the matter, directing officials to ensure swift relief operations and proper medical attention for the survivor. Local authorities are now turning their focus toward the management of the Gurukulam.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate several critical questions, including:
- How the incident occurred and why students were tasked with cleaning a deep underground tank.
- Whether the Gurukulam holds the necessary official recognition and legal permissions.
- The specific circumstances that led to the students entering the hazardous environment without safety equipment.
Broader Safety Audit Ordered
In the wake of this disaster, the administration is moving to prevent similar occurrences. District Magistrate Singh stated that an audit will be conducted on other Gurukulams in the vicinity, including thorough inspections of their buildings and infrastructure.
The Mathura Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the site to piece together the exact timeline of the accident. SSP Kumar emphasized that legal action will proceed based on the formal complaints to be submitted by the grieving families.