A 35-year-old man lost his life after falling into an open manhole during heavy rains in Mumbai's Malad area on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm near the Malad railway station, as the city experienced severe waterlogging due to incessant rainfall.
Details of the incident
The victim, identified as Ramesh Gupta, a resident of Malad, was walking on the waterlogged road when he accidentally stepped into the uncovered manhole. Despite efforts by locals and rescue teams, he was pulled out after nearly 30 minutes and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the manhole cover had been dislodged due to the heavy water flow. A civic official stated, "The cover was likely washed away by the strong currents, leaving the manhole exposed. We are investigating the matter and will take necessary action."
Response and rescue efforts
Local residents alerted the fire brigade and police immediately after the incident. Fire personnel arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and used ropes to retrieve the man. "The water was waist-deep, making rescue difficult. We managed to pull him out, but he was unconscious and later succumbed," said a fire officer.
The BMC has ordered a probe into the incident and promised strict action against those responsible for negligence. They also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victim's family.
Heavy rains and waterlogging in Mumbai
Mumbai has been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the city. Several areas, including Malad, Andheri, and Dadar, reported severe waterlogging, disrupting traffic and normal life. The IMD recorded 200 mm of rain in the last 24 hours in the city.
This is not the first such incident in Mumbai. In 2024, a similar tragedy occurred when a 22-year-old woman fell into an open manhole in Powai. Activists have repeatedly demanded better maintenance of civic infrastructure to prevent such accidents.
Public outrage and demands
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who blame the BMC for negligence. A resident of Malad said, "Every year, we see such deaths during rains. The authorities do not secure manholes properly. This is a recurring problem that needs urgent attention."
Opposition leaders have also criticized the municipal corporation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray tweeted, "Another life lost due to BMC's failure to ensure safety. We demand a thorough investigation and immediate steps to secure all manholes in the city."
