Punjab Newsline | Patiala
A tragic accident occurred in Patiala’s Deep Nagar area on Tuesday when two youths died after being exposed to toxic gas while cleaning a house sewer line. The incident has triggered grief in the locality, and the victims’ family members were left devastated by the sudden loss.
According to information received, both youths were unemployed and used to earn a living by privately cleaning sewer and drainage lines at residential houses. On Tuesday, they had entered the main sewer line of a house to carry out cleaning work when they were overcome by poisonous gas. Both reportedly died on the spot.
Police and officials from the concerned departments rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident. The bodies have been taken into custody, and further legal proceedings have been initiated. Police are investigating the exact cause of the accident and whether safety protocols were ignored.
The incident has also raised serious concerns over the practice of hiring private individuals for hazardous sewer-cleaning work. Although the Municipal Corporation has regular and contractual staff available for sewer maintenance, many residents continue to get such work done privately, often without proper safety equipment or protective measures.
Authorities are expected to examine whether negligence or lack of safety arrangements contributed to the fatal accident.
