Daijiworld Media Network – Satara
Satara, Mar 13: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three migrant workers on Thursday afternoon when they drowned in the Dhom-Balkawadi canal in Phaltan taluk, Satara district. The deceased, originally from Odisha, were employed with Premium Chick Feed Pvt. Ltd.
According to Assistant Police Inspector Shivaji Jaipatre of Lonand, the three workers—Jyotirmay Baghirathi Naik (22), Satin Birchi Naik (35), and Shriram Jagai Heberm (20, residing in Hingangav, originally from Odisha)—entered the canal to swim. The accident occurred when one of them got trapped inside a cement pipe used for canal water flow. The two others who tried to rescue him also got stuck, resulting in all three drowning.
The incident took place near the Hingangav to Adarki road section of the canal. The complaint was lodged by Sham Balu Bhagat, and the Lonand police have registered a case. Sub-inspector Rohit Hegde is investigating the matter.
Authorities have cautioned the public, especially during the scorching summer, against swimming in rivers, canals, and water bodies without awareness of hidden hazards like submerged pipes. The canal’s water current and unmarked cement pipes contributed to the fatal accident.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in canals and rivers, particularly for unaware residents and workers.