2 workers feared drowned after BWSSB sewage plant accident

Bengaluru,

A tragic accident at a Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) sewage treatment plant (STP) in Belagere near Varthur left two workers missing after they reportedly fell into a sewage tank while carrying out repair work on Thursday evening. The incident occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. within the limits of  Varthur Police Station.

Preliminary information suggests that negligence in implementing mandatory safety measures may have contributed to the accident. According to reports, three contract workers had descended into the treatment facility using a ladder to repair three malfunctioning gates at the STP. During the operation, all three workers reportedly lost balance and fell into the tank containing sewage water. Other workers present at the site immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to save one of the victims, identified as Karthik.

He was shifted to a private hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. However, two other workers remain missing. They have been identified as Agilan Mohan (30), an engineer from Tamil Nadu, and Brajesh Kumar (30), a worker from Bihar who had reportedly been employed at the facility for several years. BWSSB Chairperson Manjula visited the site and assured action against those found responsible.

A case has been registered at the Varthur Police Station, while search operations for the missing workers continue. Kiran, Divisional Fire Officer, Varthur, said, “We are trying to recover the bodies, but there are dangerous gases beneath the concrete block, including carbon monoxide. We are trying to send personnel in a protective cage, but it is extremely difficult due to the high concentration of gases in the tank.

” The accident has also drawn attention to alleged lapses in workplace safety. The sewage treatment plant, which is around 40 feet deep, receives wastewater flowing from Koramangala to Varthur. Experts point out that such confined spaces often contain toxic gases and low oxygen levels. As per safety norms, workers entering such tanks must be provided with oxygen kits, gas masks, safety harnesses and rescue equipment.

Sources alleged that the workers were sent into the tank without adequate protective gear, raising questions about the accountability of both the contractor and BWSSB officials. In a heartbreaking detail, Brajesh Kumar had reportedly spoken to his children over the phone just minutes before entering the plant. After ending the call, he handed over his mobile phone to a friend and descended into the tank along with the engineer.

Following the incident, personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, NDRF and police launched a massive search operation. Rescue teams have been battling difficult conditions, including toxic gases, sewage sludge and the continuous inflow of wastewater.