This story is from March 24, 2019

Two die after inhaling noxious fumes at STP

Two men died while two others have been hospitalised after inhaling poisonous gas inside the sewage treatment plant of a restaurant in west Delhi’s Rajouri Garden on Saturday evening. All of them collapsed inside the plant after inhaling the sewer gas.
2 die after inhaling noxious fumes at sewage treatment plant in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden
The entrance to the waste treatment plant
NEW DELHI: Two men died while two others have been hospitalised after inhaling poisonous gas inside the sewage treatment plant of a restaurant in west Delhi’s Rajouri Garden on Saturday evening. All of them collapsed inside the plant after inhaling the sewer gas.
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Chief fire officer Atul Garg said they were alerted at 2.19pm about the incident at Pirates of Grill. While three people were pulled out by the rescue team, one was rescued by the public who gathered at the spot.


The men — all restaurant staff — have been identified as Rakesh (45), Ajay (19), Pankaj and Raju. They were taken to a nearby private hospital where Rakesh and Ajay died during treatment.

A preliminary probe has revealed that the men had gone to the basement to clean the kitchen waste treatment plant. The entrance to the plant is from the rear of the restaurant. Ajay and Rakesh entered the plant first and opened the hatch of the tank where the effluent were stored. However, as soon as they opened it, the sewer
gas that was building up inside filled up the basement.

Hearing the duo crying for help, Pankaj and Raju, who were waiting at the staircase, came running but felt nauseous as soon as they stepped in to pull their colleagues out. Hearing the commotion from the basement, a few other staff checked on their colleagues and alerted the emergency services.
The restaurant was functional at the time of the incident and a crowd gathered outside the plant. All four men were unconscious and froth was coming out of their mouth when they were brought out by rescue personnel. The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to DDU Hospital where an autopsy will be carried out on Sunday.
While the entrances to the restaurant and the treatment plant have been sealed, its manager at the time of the incident has been detained for questioning. Cops have also asked the owners of the restaurant to join the investigation.
DCP (west) Monika Bhardwaj said a case had been registered on the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. More sections may be added as the probe continues, a source said. The maintenance record of the treatment plant is being scrutinised to check if there have been any mishap in the past.
Despite multiple attempts, restaurant officials could not be contacted.
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About the Author
Sidharth Bhardwaj

I am an alumnus of the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai and currently working as a reporter with Goa bureau of the Times of India. Have a keen interest in international affairs, defence and politics. Fan of Arsenal football club.

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