Three workers never made it out of a septic tank they had entered to clean at a factory in Delhi’s Mundka Industrial Area, after allegedly being overcome by toxic gas. Their families have accused the factory management of failing to provide even basic safety equipment.
The incident occurred on Friday at a printing press unit in Mundka. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation, while the district administration has assured the victims’ families of government assistance.
The deceased were identified as Arun, Sandeep and Chand, all residents of Indrajheel in Sultanpuri. Their bodies were recovered from the septic tank.
Mundka septic tank deaths: Family alleges negligence
Narendra, the brother of one of the deceased, said the tragedy unfolded as each worker tried to rescue the one before him.
“I learned that they were poisoned by gas inside the tank. I went to the scene, but the police didn’t let anyone enter… they are saying that the first person went in, then he was overcome by gas and collapsed inside. Another went to rescue him and also collapsed inside. Then a third went to rescue them and got stuck inside as well. It happened one after another,” he told ANI.
He blamed the factory owner for the deaths, alleging that no protective equipment had been provided.
“If we talk about fault, it lies with the factory owner… they didn’t provide any equipment… I have so many responsibilities, but I am unemployed myself,” he said.
Administration begins inquiry into factory accident
Mundka Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shiv Singh Meena said officials inspected the site soon after receiving information about the incident and met the victims’ families.
“I received information about this incident 3 hours ago, and we have visited the site to assess the situation and understand how it occurred. We have met with the families and have assured them of government assistance… we observed a printing press facility containing two septic tanks into which chemicals were being discharged, the accident took place inside this area…” he said.
Meena added that police had been instructed to register an FIR and take the necessary legal action.
“The police have been directed to take immediate action, register an FIR, and proceed with the necessary legal steps… families are hoping for timely government assistance to support their households and ensure arrangements for their children’s upbringing and education…” he said.
Police detail sequence of events
According to Delhi Police, a PCR call was received on Friday afternoon informing authorities that three people had fallen into a septic tank while it was being cleaned.
Police said Marwah Printers had hired a man identified as Neeraj, a resident of Nangloi, to clean the septic tank inside its factory premises in Gali No 1 of the Mundka Industrial Area.
“This afternoon, a PCR call was received at PS Mundka. On reaching the place of the incident, it was learnt that Marwah Printers had hired one Neeraj to clean the septic tank situated inside the factory premises. Neeraj, along with two others, was cleaning the tank when this incident took place,” police said.
The investigation is continuing.