Nigdi: The three labourers who died in Pimpri-Chinchwad's Nigdi Pradhikaran lost their lives due to toxic gases inside the duct, investigations have revealed. The incident happened in Sector No. 27 on Friday. The whole city was shaken by this tragic incident occurring amidst the Independence Day celebrations.
The deceased have been identified as Lakshan Asruba Dhaware (age 35, resident of Bijli Nagar), Sahebrao Sambhaji Girshite (age 35, resident of Bijli Nagar, native of Chandrapur), and Dattatraya Vijaykumar Honale (age 35, resident of Walhekarwadi). Honale was the contractor and was there for work with the two deceased and one other. Police said the duct, which contained optic fibre cables, belonged to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). For their maintenance, these four were present there. The fourth man who survived has been identified as Babasaheb Ambadas Wagh (age 52, resident of Alandi).
Officials also noted that for optic fibre maintenance, BSNL has 10x10 ducts placed in various parts of the city. These ducts are located every 180 metres. They have circular caps made of iron to close and cover them. Honale, who had been a contractor in the business for the last 5–6 years, brought the other three workers with him. Girshite entered the duct first, but he started feeling suffocated.
To rescue him, contractor Honale and Dhaware followed. The fumes inside were toxic, resulting in their deaths. There was also water in the duct. Wagh, instead of jumping to rescue, raised an alarm. Pimpri-Chinchwad Fire Brigade reported to the incident spot and removed all of them in an unconscious state. Their bodies were taken to nearby Lokmanya Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival. Their bodies were handed over to their families late Friday night for the final rites.
Senior Police Inspector Mahesh Landge, in charge of Nigdi Police Station, said that an Accidental Death (AD) case has been registered at Nigdi Police Station. No crime has been registered against anyone as Honale himself was the contractor. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sandeep Atole said that BSNL officials will be interrogated, and after post-mortem reports, it will be determined whether to register a crime against anyone or not.
