Two workers died and two others were critically injured after toxic gas reportedly caused four people to collapse inside a tank at a sewage treatment plant operated by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the city’s Sola area on October 26. The accident occurred while repair and welding work was being carried out by HNB Engineers Private Limited.
According to the report, a worker identified as Abhishek entered the tank during the work and was followed by a site in-charge, a project manager and a driver who attempted to help. All four were overcome by the gas and became trapped inside the tank. Two of them died before they could receive treatment, while the other two were taken to Sola Civil Hospital in critical condition.
Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services received information about the incident and sent a first-response vehicle and other personnel to the plant. Divisional Fire Officer Swastik Jadeja said firefighters used ropes and specialised rescue equipment to enter the tank and bring all four people out. Two workers were partially conscious, while the other two were unconscious and in serious condition when they were rescued.
The four workers were transported to Sola Civil Hospital in 108 ambulances. The report identified the deceased worker as Abhishek and said that another colleague who entered the tank to rescue him also died. The identities of the other two injured workers were not provided in the report.
Sola police registered a case of accidental death and began an investigation. Police Inspector K.N. Bhukhan said the preliminary inquiry indicated that the workers may have been working without safety gear or gas masks. Police said criminal charges could be filed if negligence by the agency or contractor in complying with safety rules is established.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has issued a penalty notice of Rs 50 lakh to HNB Engineers Private Limited for alleged negligence in the work. The company has also assured that it will provide Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the two deceased workers, according to the report.
Mayor Hitesh Barot and local legislator Amit Shah reached the plant and reviewed the situation after the accident. The report said senior officials from the civic engineering department, including the city engineer and additional city engineer, were not present at the site when the mayor arrived, while the deputy municipal commissioner reached later. The police investigation and the medical treatment of the two injured workers are continuing.
