In a tense pre-dawn operation, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) executed a successful rescue, pulling a father and his daughter from the jaws of a deep, water-filled borewell in the city's Chandlodia area on Tuesday morning.
Panic at the Jain Derasar
The harrowing incident unfolded on the premises of a Jain Derasar (temple) located inside Gajraj Society. The family of the victims works as gardeners at the temple. Anjali Saini, aged 22, accidentally slipped and fell into an old, disused borewell situated near the temple entrance. The well was reportedly filled with water.
Hearing his daughter's cries for help, her father, 45-year-old Rajesh Saini, did not hesitate. In a desperate bid to save her, he jumped into the same borewell. However, the depth and conditions proved overwhelming, and both found themselves trapped, struggling to stay afloat in the confined, dark space.
The Race Against Time
Alerted by the commotion, local residents rushed to help. They attempted to pull the duo out using ropes, but the estimated depth of 50 to 60 feet and the presence of water made their efforts futile. With the victims trapped inside for nearly half an hour and facing the imminent threat of drowning, the fire brigade was urgently called.
Teams from the Navrangpura fire station responded with speed, arriving at the spot with a mini tanker and essential rescue gear. Fire officials assessed the situation, noting the borewell was about 5 feet wide.
Heroic 20-Minute Operation
Detailing the rescue, Navrangpura fire station officer Hitesh Patel stated that a firefighter was lowered into the perilous depth using safety ropes and specialized equipment. Displaying remarkable courage and precision, the team first secured Anjali and pulled her to safety. Immediately after, they rescued her father, Rajesh.
The entire high-stakes operation was completed in approximately 20 minutes. Both victims were immediately transported to Sola Civil Hospital for medical attention. Officials later reported that their condition was stable.
Fire officials highlighted a critical safety lapse, noting that the borewell was several years old and its location so close to the temple entrance posed a significant risk. The police have been informed about the incident and have initiated a preliminary inquiry. The accident occurred while Rajesh and Anjali were performing their routine gardening duties on the temple premises.
