Four-Year-Old Girl's Terrifying Fall into Deep Parking Pit in Pune
A young child in Pune had a harrowing brush with danger on Saturday night when she tumbled into a 15-foot-deep excavation intended for a mechanical parking system. The incident occurred at the Aswani Galaxy housing society in the bustling Wakad area, sending shockwaves through the resident community and prompting immediate police action.
Traumatic Incident During Birthday Celebration
The accident unfolded around 9 pm during a birthday party being held in the society's garden area. According to the child's mother, Sanjivani Sangle, the moment was one of sheer panic. "I was reaching for a toy for her when she ran toward the pit and fell in within seconds," Sangle recounted, describing the terrifying sequence of events. The four-year-old girl sustained significant injuries to her head and back from the fall.
Quick thinking and bravery prevented an even worse outcome. Sangle revealed she was prepared to jump into the pit herself to rescue her daughter, but a vigilant security guard intervened. The guard descended into the dangerous excavation and successfully brought the child to safety. The injured girl was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by her mother for urgent medical attention.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Following the alarming incident, the Wakad police swiftly registered a formal case under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanstha (BNS), which deals with acts endangering the life or personal safety of others. The charges have been filed against both the project's builder and a director of the multi-level car parking firm responsible for the mechanical parking system.
"Our investigations are on," confirmed Police Sub-Inspector Lalit More, indicating that authorities are thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the dangerous open pit. The legal action underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this negligence that nearly cost a child her life.
Resident Outcry Over Persistent Safety Hazards
The victim's father, Anil Sangle, who is associated with the Pimpri Chinchwad police, expressed grave concerns about the ongoing danger at the residential complex. "There are at least 220 families living here at risk because this pit remains open," he emphasized. "My daughter is safe today, but this should never happen to another child."
Residents have reported that while iron barricades were eventually installed around the hazardous area after repeated complaints, the site continues to pose significant safety threats. According to the Sangle family, work on the mechanical parking system has been stalled for several years, leaving the deep excavation exposed and dangerous.
Builder's Response and Project Status
In response to the incident, an official from the builder's office described the event as "unfortunate" and confirmed that representatives visited the affected family on Monday. The official provided context about the project's status, stating that "the project is 90% complete, but there have been delays from the appointed agency."
The builder's representative attempted to reassure concerned residents, adding, "We have assured residents that the remaining work will be finished soon." However, this assurance comes after years of inaction that nearly resulted in tragedy for a young family.
Long-Term Trauma and Recovery
While the young victim was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, her mother revealed that the psychological impact remains severe. "My daughter was discharged on Sunday, but she remains deeply traumatised," Sanjivani Sangle shared, highlighting how the incident has left lasting emotional scars beyond the physical injuries.
The case has brought renewed attention to construction safety standards in residential areas and the responsibility of builders to ensure hazardous sites are properly secured, especially in communities where children live and play. As investigations continue, residents are demanding immediate and permanent safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
