Two Sanitation Workers Die of Toxic Gas Inhalation While Cleaning Sewer in Narela, Delhi

New Delhi, February 21: Two sanitation workers died, and one person is in critical condition after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sewer in Narela, Delhi, on Friday. The incident occurred between 12:15 and 12:30 PM near Mansa Devi Apartments in Pocket-6, as confirmed by the Delhi Police.

According to an official statement, Vijay Mochi (36) and Nandu (44) were working inside the sewer when they lost consciousness due to suffocation from toxic gas. Anil Kumar (37), who was supervising the work, attempted to rescue them but also fell unconscious after being exposed to the gas.

All three were immediately rushed to the Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital, where doctors declared Vijay and Nandu dead on arrival. Anil Kumar is currently undergoing treatment and is not in a position to give a statement, according to the police.

The workers were employed by a private company contracted for sewer cleaning in the area. The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident to determine whether safety protocols were followed.

The tragedy highlights the dangers sanitation workers face, particularly concerning manual scavenging and inadequate safety measures. Despite legal provisions and regulations prohibiting manual cleaning of sewers without safety gear, incidents of fatalities continue to surface, raising concerns about worker safety and corporate accountability.