An Ahmedabad Sola STP gas leak killed two people and injured two others during welding and maintenance work at a sewage treatment plant in the city’s Sola area on Monday, 26 October. The four men fell into a section of the plant after toxic gas reportedly affected a worker inside the facility, prompting a difficult rescue operation from a depth of around 40 to 45 feet.
The incident occurred while private agency HNB Engineers Private Limited was carrying out maintenance and welding work at the municipal sewage treatment plant. According to the report, a welding worker became unconscious after being exposed to toxic gas and fell into the deep section of the facility. Three others went inside while attempting to rescue him or manage the situation and also fell into the plant.
The deceased have been identified as site in-charge Manoj and welding worker Abhishek. Site project manager Rupesh and driver Nilesh were also affected in the incident, but their condition was reported to be stable. Two people were brought out in a serious condition and taken to Sola Civil Hospital by 108 ambulance services.
Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services teams reached the site with rescue equipment after receiving information about the accident. The depth of the plant and the presence of toxic gas made the operation hazardous. Fire personnel used specialised equipment and oxygen masks to enter the area and remove the workers.
An official cited in the report said the plant was approximately 40 to 45 feet deep and had a strong toxic odour inside. Conditions were reportedly so difficult that remaining inside the area was challenging. The account underlines the immediate risks involved in entering confined spaces in sewage infrastructure, where hazardous gases can accumulate and oxygen levels can fall.
The incident has raised questions about the safety procedures followed during welding and maintenance work, including whether the plant was tested and cleared before workers entered the area. The report said authorities would examine how the toxic gas was generated and what safety measures were in place during the work. It did not provide details of any completed inquiry or identify the specific gas involved.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has imposed a penalty of ₹50 lakh on HNB Engineers Private Limited for alleged negligence, according to the report. The company has also given an assurance of ₹25 lakh each to the families of the two deceased workers. Further official action, including the findings of any safety investigation, was not detailed in the available report.
