Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 2: A man died after falling into an open manhole during maintenance work in Mumbai's Sakinaka area on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 12.26 pm near Sanman Hotel on Khairani Road, close to SJ Studio, after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade control room received an alert.
According to police, three contractual workers engaged by a private agency had removed the manhole cover to carry out maintenance work at the site.
Officials said the victim, who was allegedly talking on his mobile phone while walking, accidentally stepped into the open manhole and fell inside.
The workers immediately lowered a ladder into the manhole and launched a search but were unable to locate him. Only the man's umbrella and slippers were recovered from the spot.
Rescue teams said the strong flow of water inside the drain made it difficult to determine the direction in which the victim had been swept away. His death was later confirmed.
The incident occurred as Mumbai witnessed heavy rainfall on Thursday, triggering waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and neighbouring districts, while civic authorities warned of strong winds and high tides.
Several low-lying areas, including Andheri, Dadar, Parel, Chembur and Kings Circle, reported waterlogging as the monsoon intensified. According to official figures, the island city recorded more than 130 mm of rainfall, while parts of the eastern suburbs received over 160 mm, disrupting normal life and vehicular movement.
The incident is expected to raise questions over safety measures during civic maintenance work, particularly during the monsoon, when waterlogged roads and overflowing drains can make open manholes difficult to spot.
Authorities are likely to examine whether adequate barricading, warning signs and other precautionary measures had been put in place around the maintenance site after the manhole cover was removed.