According to officials, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) control room received an emergency alert at 12:26 pm regarding the incident near Sanman Hotel on Khairani Road, close to SJ Studio in Sakinaka.
Victim Fell Into Open Manhole During Maintenance
Police officials at the scene said that three contractual workers hired by a private agency had removed the manhole cover to carry out maintenance work on the drainage system.
During the operation, the victim was reportedly walking while talking on his mobile phone when he accidentally stepped into the uncovered manhole and fell inside.
The workers immediately lowered a ladder into the manhole and attempted to rescue him. However, they were unable to locate the man due to the strong flow of water inside the drain. Rescue teams recovered only his umbrella and slippers from the site.
Officials said the powerful current made it difficult to determine the direction in which the victim had been swept away, significantly complicating rescue efforts.
Heavy Rain Brings Mumbai to a Standstill
The incident occurred as Mumbai experienced intense monsoon showers throughout the day, resulting in severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and nearby districts. Civic authorities also cautioned residents about strong winds and high tides, urging people to remain vigilant.
Several low-lying areas, including Andheri, Dadar, Parel, Chembur and Kings Circle, witnessed significant water accumulation, slowing traffic and affecting daily life.
According to official rainfall data, Mumbai's island city received more than 130 mm of rain, while parts of the eastern suburbs recorded over 160 mm during the day.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
The fatal accident has once again brought attention to safety protocols followed during civic maintenance work, particularly during the monsoon when flooded roads often conceal open manholes and drainage openings.
Authorities are expected to investigate whether the maintenance site had been properly secured with barricades, warning signs and other precautionary measures before the manhole cover was removed.
The incident has also highlighted the risks posed by heavy rainfall and inadequate safety arrangements, reinforcing the need for stricter precautions during drainage maintenance operations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
