Three people died on Saturday evening after inhaling toxic fumes from a rainwater soak pit near Imadihalli Temple Circle in Bengaluru’s Whitefield, police said.
Police identified the deceased as property owner Munichamba (67 years old); Rudrakumar (40), plumber; Vishwanath Achari (24), delivery worker.
According to preliminary findings, the cesspit was created about 12 years ago but has not been used regularly. Over time, stagnant water and waste accumulated inside, causing it to decompose and create dangerous gases.
“At around 5 pm, Munichappa decided to clean the pit using chemicals after noticing a foul smell. When he entered or leaned into the pit, he suddenly had difficulty breathing and collapsed due to inhaling toxic fumes,” Whitefield police inspector Guru Prasad told HT.
Rudrakumar, who was present at the property, tried to get him out but was also overcome by the fumes. “Rudrakumar tried to rescue Munichamappa without proper safety equipment. Unfortunately, he also inhaled the fumes and lost consciousness within minutes,” the officer added.
Achari, who happened to be nearby, saw the two unconscious men and went to check on them. “Vishwanath entered the area to check on them, but he also inhaled toxic gases and collapsed. None of them were equipped with protective gear,” police said.
Residents and passers-by notified emergency services. The three men were taken to Fidehi Hospital, but doctors declared them dead on the way.
“The three victims died as a result of suspected inhalation of toxic gas inside the cesspit. We have registered a case of unnatural death and are awaiting the autopsy report to confirm the exact cause.”
An autopsy was conducted at Fidehi Hospital on Sunday, after which the bodies were handed over to their families.
Police registered a case of unnatural death, and said further investigations were underway.
