Karnataka: A serious accident occurred at the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) wastewater treatment plant (STP) in Belagere, near Varthur, Bengaluru. According to reports, two workers fell into the water and were swept away during tank cleaning and maintenance, while a third was rescued safely.
The incident took place around 6:10 PM at the STP unit, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Varthur police station. Officials stated that three workers were performing maintenance work near the tank when they suddenly lost their balance and fell in.
The workers who fell into the tank have been identified as Akilan (30) from Bihar and Akhilesh (30) from Tamil Nadu. The third worker, Karthik (25)—also from Tamil Nadu—was immediately rescued by colleagues present at the scene.
Local officials reported that Akilan and Akhilesh disappeared instantly due to the tank’s depth and the strong water current. Upon receiving news of the incident, Varthur police and BWSSB staff arrived at the site and launched a rescue operation.
According to BWSSB officials, the tank had been shut down for routine cleaning and maintenance. However, workers are instructed to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety measures while working near the tank’s edge. A preliminary investigation is underway to determine whether the workers were using safety equipment.
The police and local administration conducted a search operation throughout the night. Divers and rescue teams searched the vertical tank and surrounding drainage areas; however, no trace of Akilan or Akhilesh has been found so far.
Safety experts note that workers face significant risks in such STP tanks due to strong currents and depth. Consequently, wearing proper safety gear—such as life jackets and helmets—is mandatory before commencing work. Additionally, continuous monitoring and the presence of a team of at least two people are essential for safety and rescue purposes.
Local officials have appealed to the public to stay away from the STP and wastewater treatment plant premises and to avoid obstructing the workers engaged in the rescue operation. Taking the matter seriously, the police have initiated an investigation into the causes of the incident.
In a statement, the BWSSB emphasized that the safety of its employees is the top priority and that all necessary measures are being taken immediately following the accident. They also stated that the incident would prompt a focus on further tightening safety standards in the future.
The accident has become a cause for concern for the employees and their families. A rescue operation involving Karthik is currently underway, and the police are hopeful that Akilan and Akhilesh will soon be brought out safely.
