A man died after falling into an open pit during maintenance work in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
The incident was reported at 12.26 pm near Hotel Sanman on Khairani Road, near SJ Studio in Sakinaka, following an alert received by the control room of the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
According to information exchanged by police personnel at the site, three contract workers working for a private agency removed the manhole cover to conduct maintenance work at the site.
During the operation, the man, who was allegedly talking on his mobile phone while walking, accidentally entered the open manhole and fell inside.
Contract workers immediately lowered a ladder into the manhole and tried to search for him but were unable to locate him. Officials said that only the man’s umbrella and slippers were recovered from the scene.
Due to the strong flow of water inside the drain, rescue teams were initially unable to determine the direction in which the man had been swept away.
Heavy rain hits Mumbai
The accident came as Mumbai witnessed heavy rains on Thursday, leading to waterlogging and disruption of traffic in several parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rain in Mumbai and adjoining areas, while civic authorities warned residents of strong winds and high tides. Several low-lying areas, including parts of Andheri, Dadar, Parel, Chembur and Kings Circle, reported waterlogging as monsoon lashes the city.
Mumbai recorded more than 130 mm of rain in the island city and more than 160 mm in parts of the eastern suburbs, according to official figures released during the day. The heavy rain disrupted road traffic and affected normal movement in several parts of the financial capital.
Questions about safety measures
The incident is likely to raise questions about safety protocols followed during civil maintenance work, especially during the monsoon season when flooded roads and overflowing drains make open manholes difficult for pedestrians.
The authorities are expected to check whether adequate barriers, warning signs and other safety measures have been placed around the maintenance site when the manhole cover is removed.
