A 27-year-old plumber died and another was left battling for his life after the two fell into a septic tank while attempting to clear a drainage blockage at a house in Pallikaranai on Monday (October 12, 2026) night.
According to the police, after a blockage in the drainage pipes caused sewage to overflow, the house owner Aishwarya sought the help of Rajesh, 39, a plumber living opposite her house. Rajesh brought E. Kesavan, 27, to assist him in clearing the blockage.
Both Rajesh and Kesavan had prior experience in septic tank cleaning but had no safety equipment on, the police said. While inspecting the septic tank on the ground floor, Rajesh was overcome by toxic fumes and fell inside. Kesavan attempted to rescue Rajesh but he, too, fell into the tank after inhaling the fumes.
Neighbours alerted the police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who rushed to the spot and rescued both. Kesavan was declared dead, and his body was sent to Chromepet Government Hospital for a postmortem. Rajesh was admitted to a private hospital in Pallikaranai in critical condition.
The police are awaiting the postmortem report to determine whether Kesavan died of asphyxiation caused by toxic fumes or sustained fatal injuries in the fall.
Published - October 14, 2026 01:30 pm IST