Daijiworld Media Network - Vrindavan
Vrindavan, Oct 7: Four students died and another was hospitalised after they reportedly inhaled toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a gurukulam in Chaitanya Vihar here, police said on Wednesday.
According to District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, a group of students attempted to clean the tank late Tuesday night after noticing a foul smell. The tank was located around 12 to 14 feet below ground level.
The gurukulam, a Sanskrit school run by Madhya Pradesh resident Ashish Kumar Sharma, has around 200 students enrolled, with about 100 residing in hostels on the campus.
The students first drained the water from the tank using a motor. After some water remained, they began cleaning it. One student entered the tank but soon became unconscious, apparently after being exposed to toxic gas.
Four other students entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him, but all five lost consciousness. They were subsequently pulled out and rushed to a hospital.
Four students died in the incident, while a student identified as Rudra survived and is undergoing treatment. SSP Shlok Kumar said the deceased students were aged between 17 and 20 years. Their bodies were sent to the mortuary, and their families were being informed.
The surviving student was initially taken to the district hospital before being referred for better monitoring. The SSP said he was conscious and talking.
The incident came to the notice of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who directed officials to ensure relief and rescue operations and proper treatment for the injured student, the DM said.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident, including whether the gurukulam had the required recognition and why the students were asked to clean the water tank.
Authorities will also audit other gurukulams in the area and inspect their buildings to prevent similar incidents. Police will examine CCTV footage from the site and take further legal action based on complaints submitted by the families.