The post-mortem report for 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta has provided grim details about his tragic death. Mehta drowned after his SUV plunged into a deep, water-filled pit in Greater Noida's Sector 150. Medical authorities confirmed he died from asphyxiation and cardiac failure.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival
On that fog-choked night, Mehta fought for his life for nearly ninety minutes. Trapped in icy water, he managed to climb onto the roof of his sinking vehicle. He repeatedly flashed his mobile phone's torch into the darkness. Mehta even called his father while desperately trying to draw attention to his dire situation.
Builders Face FIR for Negligence
Police have registered an FIR against the builders responsible for the open pit. The complaint cites serious negligence including the absence of proper barricading, reflectors and fencing around the dangerous site. Authorities have also issued show-cause notices to officials and employees responsible for traffic management in and around Sector 150.
The Fateful Night
The accident occurred around 12:30 AM between January 16 and 17. Mehta, a resident of Sector 150, was driving home through dense fog and poor lighting conditions. Near ATS Le Grandiose, his Grand Vitara crashed through a damaged boundary wall. The vehicle then plunged into a pit nearly thirty feet deep.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Conditions
Despite immediate coordination between police, fire brigade, SDRF and NDRF teams, rescue operations faced severe challenges. Near-zero visibility, the extreme depth of the water, and inadequate equipment hampered efforts. A delivery worker who reached the spot jumped into the freezing water in a desperate attempt to save Mehta but could not locate him.
By the time rescue teams recovered Mehta's body around 4:30 AM, he had been in the water for over an hour and a half. The prolonged exposure to cold water and lack of oxygen proved fatal.
Administrative Action and Public Outcry
Residents and friends of the victim have alleged administrative lapses and delayed response from authorities. In response to these allegations, officials have terminated a junior engineer. They have issued show-cause notices to other responsible personnel. Authorities have also ordered comprehensive inspections of construction-site safety measures throughout the area.
The tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety standards in rapidly developing urban areas. It raises serious questions about accountability when such preventable accidents occur.
