Vrindavan Gurukulam Tragedy: Four Students Die After Suspected Toxic Gas Exposure
Vrindavan: Four students died after being exposed to suspected toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a residential Sanskrit gurukulam in Vrindavan, Mathura, on Tuesday night. Another student survived the incident and is receiving medical treatment.
The incident took place at Maharshi Panini Sanskrit Gurukulam in Chaitanya Vihar. According to police, students noticed a foul smell coming from an underground water tank on the premises. The tank was around 12 feet deep and had a submersible pump.
Students Entered Tank After Foul Smell
Police said the students first tried to remove the remaining water from the tank using a motor. After some water remained, one student entered the tank to clean it. He soon became unconscious and did not come out.
Four other students then entered the tank, apparently trying to help him. They also lost consciousness inside the tank. People at the gurukulam later pulled all five students out and rushed them to a hospital.
Doctors declared four students dead. The fifth student survived and was referred for further medical care. The deceased students were aged between 17 and 20 years, according to officials. Their families are being informed about the tragedy.
Police Begin Investigation
Mathura police and senior officials reached the gurukulam after receiving information about the incident. Authorities suspect that poisonous gas inside the confined space caused the students to lose consciousness.
The exact type and source of the gas will be determined during the investigation. Officials are also examining CCTV footage from the premises to understand how the incident happened.
Police have taken two owners of the gurukulam into custody as the investigation continues. A magisterial inquiry has also been initiated to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths.
CM Yogi Expresses Grief
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He described the incident as extremely heartbreaking.
The tragedy has also raised concerns about safety measures at residential educational institutions. Authorities are expected to examine whether proper precautions were followed before students entered the underground tank.
The investigation is underway, while the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
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