Four students died and another was injured after they were exposed to suspected toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a residential Sanskrit school in Chaitanya Vihar, Vrindavan, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident took place at Vrindavan Gurukulam, where the students both live and study. Police said the students had noticed a foul smell coming from an underground tank that was around 12 to 14 feet deep.
The students first used a motor to drain the water before attempting to remove the remaining water and sludge manually.
Five students collapse inside underground tank
According to officials, one student entered the tank but soon became unconscious. Four other students then went inside in an attempt to rescue him, but they also collapsed.
All five students were subsequently pulled out of the tank and taken to hospital.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said four students, aged between 17 and 20, died in the incident. Their bodies were sent to the mortuary, while their families were being informed.
The fifth student, identified as Rudra, survived and is undergoing treatment. SSP Shlok Kumar said Rudra was conscious and able to speak. He was initially taken to the district hospital before being referred for closer monitoring.
Magisterial inquiry ordered into incident
Singh said a magisterial inquiry would be conducted to determine how the incident occurred and whether the gurukulam had the required recognition.
“A magisterial inquiry would be conducted to ascertain how the incident occurred, whether the gurukulam had the required recognition and under what circumstances the students were made to clean the water tank,” he said.
The inquiry will also examine why students were made to clean the underground tank and whether adequate safety measures were in place.
Officials said CCTV footage from the premises would be examined as part of the investigation. Police will also take further legal action based on complaints filed by the families of the deceased students.
Other gurukulams to undergo safety checks
The district administration has decided to carry out fresh inspections of other gurukulams in the area following the incident.
Their buildings and facilities will be checked to identify potential safety risks and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Chief Minister has taken cognisance of the incident and directed officials to ensure rescue efforts and proper medical treatment for the surviving student, officials said.