26-year-old rescued from under-construction STP

A 26-year-old labourer, who was painting a 25-feet deep sewage treatment plant in Cubbon Park, fainted owing to the lack of oxygen, on Friday. He was rescued by fire and emergency service personnel and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Ramesh, who hails from Vijayapura, had climbed down into the STP with the help of a rope held by his colleagues. However, he faced difficulty breathing and blacked out. His colleagues above were unable to revive him, and called the control room for help.

A team led by District Forest Officer Raghavendra L.V. reached the spot. One member of the team climbed into the STP with breathing apparatus. The team was able to revive and extricate Ramesh.

Inquiries revealed that the BWSSB is constructing a 25-foot tank and had employed a few labourers on contract to paint it, said the police. Ramesh began the painting work but started to suffocate because of the smell of the paint and chemicals.

“It was good that the staff could get to him quickly,” said Mr. Raghavendra.

Officials of the BWSSB have been advised to provide safety gear to workers and depute a senior official to monitor the work, a senior official of the fire and emergency services said.