Shivamogga: An 80-year-old retired engineer died after becoming trapped beneath a lift at the Dattatreya Swamy Temple in Karnataka’s Shivamogga during his routine morning prayers on Sunday. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine whether a mechanical fault or negligence led to the fatal accident.
The tragic incident occurred at the temple in Vinayak Nagar, where the elderly man had regularly visited for prayers. Emergency personnel rescued him from beneath the lift and rushed him to hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Accident occurred during morning prayers
According to police, the deceased has been identified as Kumaraswamy, a retired engineer and resident of Shivamogga.
Investigators said he had arrived at the temple for his usual morning prayers. The accident reportedly took place when he pressed the lift button and attempted to board it. He allegedly became trapped beneath the lift, sustaining fatal injuries.
Rescue operation launched immediately
Fire and Emergency Services personnel were called to the temple soon after the incident.
Rescue teams managed to extricate Kumaraswamy from beneath the lift before shifting him to McGann Hospital for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Police register case
The Jayanagar Police Station has registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s wife, Lalitha Kumaraswamy.
Police officials said they are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and will investigate whether the lift suffered a mechanical failure or whether there was any negligence in its maintenance or operation.
Probe to examine lift safety
Authorities are expected to inspect the lift and review its maintenance records as part of the investigation.
Officials may also question temple management and maintenance personnel to determine whether the lift complied with required safety standards and whether any warning signs or technical issues had been reported earlier.
Concerns over public safety
The incident has raised concerns over the maintenance and safety of lifts installed in public places, particularly religious institutions that witness heavy footfall every day.
Experts say regular inspections, preventive maintenance and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent such accidents, especially in facilities frequently used by senior citizens.
Conclusion
The death of an 80-year-old retired engineer at the Dattatreya Swamy Temple has shocked devotees and residents in Shivamogga. As police investigate whether mechanical failure or negligence caused the accident, the incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of lifts in public spaces.