Two Chembur residents were injured on Wednesday after a truck filled with sand toppled into an underground septic tank while reversing and causing the victims to get stuck inside. While locals have blamed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for not repairing the tank, local Shiv Sena corporator Anjali Naik has faulted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
According to BMC officials, the incident was reported to the disaster management control room around 10.08 a.m.. The septic tank is located in an open space opposite Om Shanti building in Chembur, where the truck was taking a reverse. While the vehicle was passing over the surface of the tank, the slab gave way, causing the truck to get stuck. Three passers-by fell into the pit caused by the tank slab collapse.
“The road was crowded as school students had just left after their exams and office-goers were on their way to work. Parents were also picking their children up from school,” Mohammed Javed Bakai (33), a local, said.
Ishad Shaikh (27), another local, said, “Children often frequent the open space after school. A movable swing has also been placed in the space for them. When we saw the truck reverse, we cautioned the driver, but he did not listen, and within minutes we heard a loud noise and screams. Now, the swing owner is absconding.”
While one girl was pulled out by locals, Aruna Mandavalkar (45), whose one-and-a-half-year-old daughter was playing on the swing, and Mariam Shaikh (11), who was returning after appearing for her Hindi semester exam, were caught under the debris of the slab.
Meanwhile, the fire brigade, BMC, and the RCF police rushed personnel, and both the victims were rescued after three hours. They were taken to Sion Hospital.
“The condition of both the patients is stable. While Ms. Mandavalkar was discharged in the evening, Mariam will be shifted to the general ward from trauma and discharged soon,” an on-duty assistant medical officer at Sion Hospital said.
According to the R.C.F. police, the pressure put by the truck on the tank led to the incident. “The truck driver fled the spot. We are currently recording the statements of the injured,” Srikant Desai, senior police inspector, R.C.F. police station, said.
Ms. Naik, however, blamed the MMRDA. “Part of the septic tank is an open space and I have received complaints of illegal activities being carried out there. We have complained to the MMRDA about this tank, but they have not looked into it seriously. We are appealing to the MMRDA and the BMC to install sewer lines and scrap these septic tanks,” she said.
Despite repeated attempts, Srinivas Kilje, assistant municipal commissioner, M-East ward, could not be reached for a comment.
