A tragic accident unfolded in Mappedu near Tiruvallur on Saturday when a 61-year-old man lost his life after breathing in hazardous gases inside an illegal well. The man, identified as Jyothi, had jumped in to save his son Santosh Kumar, who had accidentally fallen in.
The well, reportedly dug without official clearance around three weeks ago in the backyard of their residence, was meant to tackle the ongoing water scarcity. On the day of the incident, Santosh climbed down to inspect the water level but slipped and tumbled into the narrow shaft.
Seeing his son trapped, Jyothi immediately descended in a desperate attempt to help. However, the confined space was filled with toxic fumes, and Jyothi quickly became unconscious due to gas inhalation.
Hearing the commotion, Bhuvaneshwari, Santosh’s mother, raised an alarm. Neighbour Balaji responded swiftly and managed to pull Santosh out using a rope. Fire and rescue personnel later reached the scene, recovered Jyothi’s body, and transported it to the Tiruvallur Government Hospital for autopsy.
Authorities confirmed that the well was constructed unlawfully and lacked any safety features or ventilation. The incident has highlighted the dangers of unregulated constructions and the hidden risks in enclosed spaces like wells and septic tanks.
Santosh is currently receiving treatment at the government hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
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