Tragic Loss: Three Workers Perish in Kerala Hotel Drain Cleaning Disaster

A pall of sorrow has descended upon Thrissur, Kerala, following a deeply tragic incident where three hardworking individuals lost their lives in a suspected case of suffocation while cleaning a drain at the Elite International Hotel. The heartbreaking event, which unfolded on Sunday afternoon, has cast a harsh light on the perilous conditions often faced by sanitation workers.

The tragedy began when one of the workers, identified as Anandan from Perumbilavu, descended into the hotel drain for cleaning.

Moments later, he reportedly collapsed, overwhelmed by what is suspected to be toxic fumes. In a desperate attempt to rescue their colleague, two other workers, Suresh from Kunnamkulam and an as-yet-unidentified third person, bravely followed him into the confined space. Tragically, they too succumbed to the unseen danger, collapsing almost immediately.

Onlookers and hotel staff, realizing the dire situation, immediately alerted authorities.

Fire and rescue service personnel swiftly arrived at the scene. After a strenuous effort, the three unconscious men were pulled out of the drain. However, despite the rapid response, medical teams confirmed the worst: all three had tragically passed away. The preliminary assessment strongly points towards suffocation due to the inhalation of poisonous gases trapped within the drain.

The local police have initiated an investigation into the incident, registering a case of unnatural death.

This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety protocols and adequate protective equipment for individuals engaged in hazardous sanitation work. The untimely demise of Anandan, Suresh, and their colleague leaves behind grieving families and a community grappling with the profound impact of this preventable disaster.