Four students died and another was injured after entering a 12-foot-deep underground water tank at a residential Gurukul in Vrindavan, Mathura, reportedly to clean it following complaints of a foul smell. Officials suspect that toxic gas inside the tank may have caused the deaths.
Students Entered Tank to Check Foul Smell
According to police, the incident occurred when the students went to clean the underground tank after a foul smell was noticed on the premises. One student entered the tank but did not come back out. Four other students then reportedly entered the tank one after another in an attempt to rescue him. However, they too became trapped inside, turning the rescue attempt into a major tragedy.
Four Students Lose Their Lives
The victims were between 17 and 20 years old. Four students died in the incident, while the fifth student was rescued and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Officials believe the students may have been overcome by toxic or poisonous gases accumulated inside the enclosed underground tank. Such gases can cause unconsciousness and breathing difficulties within a short period, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
CCTV Footage Under Examination
Following the incident, authorities reached the Gurukul and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police are examining CCTV footage from the premises to establish the sequence of events and determine exactly how the students entered the tank.
Officials are also expected to examine the tank and surrounding area to ascertain whether hazardous gases were present and whether proper safety measures were in place.
Government Assures Help to Families
The Uttar Pradesh government has expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities have assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected families.
The investigation remains underway, with officials focusing on the cause of the deaths and the safety conditions at the residential Gurukul.