Udupi: In a near-miraculous incident, a 62-year-old man who accidentally fell into a well and remained trapped for three days was rescued alive at Kambalakatte in Adi Udupi.
The man has been identified as Srinivasa Acharya, a resident of Kambalakatte, who survived inside a 20-foot-deep water-filled well before being rescued.
Fall into well during repair attempt
According to sources, Srinivasa Acharya, who lives alone, had been recovering from health issues he suffered about two months ago.
On Saturday evening, he was attempting to pull up a rope tied to the foot valve pipe of a pump in the well located in front of his house. The well, approximately 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep, had accumulated garbage, which had affected water flow.
During the process, the rope suddenly snapped, causing him to lose balance and fall into the well.
Struggle for survival
Despite being partially submerged in water, Srinivasa managed to survive by holding onto a pipe and rope inside the well. He repeatedly shouted for help, but his cries went unheard as there was no one nearby to respond.
For nearly three days, he remained trapped without food, relying on sheer determination to stay alive in extremely difficult conditions.
Gas cylinder delay triggers discovery
In an unusual turn of events, the incident came to light due to a delay in gas cylinder delivery.
Srinivasa had earlier borrowed a gas cylinder from an acquaintance named Ganesh, as his own booked cylinder had not been delivered. When Ganesh later requested its return, Srinivasa had assured him he would do so once his cylinder arrived.
After waiting for three to four days, Ganesh contacted the gas agency and requested immediate delivery. When staff visited Srinivasa’s house, they informed him that Srinivasa had not been seen for the past two days.
Growing suspicious, Ganesh alerted tenants residing in a house about 90 metres away and asked them to check on him.
Locals locate and alert authorities
While searching the premises, the tenants looked into the well and found Srinivasa inside, exhausted and clinging to the rope and pipe.
Local residents immediately placed a ladder into the well and urged him to climb up. However, he was too weak to do so after being trapped for days without food.
The fire and emergency services were then alerted.
Rescue operation by fire personnel
A team of firefighters, including Satish, Ashwin Sanil, driver Bharat N., and personnel Ganesh Vetal and Mahantesh, rushed to the spot.
With assistance from local residents, the team entered the well and successfully rescued Srinivasa Acharya.
He was initially admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to the district hospital for further treatment.
Condition stable
Officials said Srinivasa is recovering well and is expected to return home on Monday.
Conclusion
The incident highlights both the dangers associated with unattended wells and the importance of timely intervention. Quick coordination between locals and emergency services played a crucial role in saving a life, turning what could have been a tragedy into a remarkable survival story.