Authorities are now questioning the construction site’s management and the contractor responsible for overseeing the labourers' safety. Preliminary findings indicate that no trained personnel were present to monitor the cleaning process, which should have involved proper safety measures such as gas detection equipment, ventilation systems, and protective gear. The absence of these precautions likely turned the underground water tank into a death trap.
An official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that an inquiry committee would be set up to investigate whether the builder and contractor violated safety norms. "We will examine whether the necessary permissions were obtained for the cleaning process and if the workers were adequately trained for confined space work," the official said.
Family members of the deceased labourers gathered at JJ Hospital in grief, demanding justice and financial compensation. Many expressed anger over the unsafe working conditions that led to the tragedy. Some of the deceased were reportedly the sole breadwinners for their families, leaving their dependents in a precarious situation. Labour rights groups have urged the government to intervene and ensure that the affected families receive adequate compensation.
Activists also pointed out that accidents like these are not isolated incidents. Across India, construction workers often work in unsafe conditions without proper training, safety gear, or emergency preparedness. Despite existing labour laws and safety regulations, enforcement remains weak, leading to preventable deaths. "This is yet another case of negligence where workers have lost their lives due to a lack of basic safety measures," said a representative from a labour rights organisation. "It is high time that stricter actions are taken against those responsible."
Meanwhile, experts in occupational safety have reiterated the importance of conducting safety audits at construction sites. "Employers must ensure that confined spaces like underground tanks are tested for hazardous gases before workers enter. A proper rescue plan should be in place in case of emergencies," said a safety expert.
The police have already recorded statements from other workers at the site, who claim that they were not provided with any instructions regarding potential hazards inside the water tank. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the premises, if available, to establish the exact sequence of events.
As investigations continue, the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death conclusively. If evidence of negligence emerges, criminal charges could be filed against those responsible, including the builder and site supervisor.
This tragic incident in Nagpada has once again brought to light the urgent need for better safety standards in India's construction industry. The authorities have assured that they will take strict action to ensure such a tragedy does not repeat itself, but for the families of the victims, the loss is irreparable.
