Three die of asphyxiation while cleaning water sump in Whitefield

Three persons were suspected to have died of asphyxiation while cleaning an underground water sump at Immadihalli Temple Circle in the limits of the Whitefield Police Station on Saturday.

The deceased have been identified as Munishamappa, 67, owner of the house, Rudhra Kumar, 40, a plumber, and Vishwanath Achari, 24, a delivery boy.

According to the police, the incident came to light after they received an alert through the 112 emergency helpline. On reaching the spot, the police found that Munishamappa had entered the water sump to clean it using chemicals. During the process, he was suspected to have developed breathing difficulties due to toxic fumes and collapsed inside the sump.

Kumar, who reportedly went to check on him, also entered the sump and collapsed. Later, Achari, the delivery executive who came to see what had happened, was said to have entered the sump and likewise fell unconscious.

The family members of Munishamappa, with the help of neighbours, managed to pull them out and were taken to hospital.

While Munishamappa and Kumar were taken to Manipal Hospital, Vishwanath Achari was admitted to Vydehi Hospital. The doctors declared that all three had died on their way to the hospital.

The police visited the spot and initiated a probe. A case of unnatural death has been registered and further investigation is under way to ascertain the exact cause of death.