Suspected Toxic Gas Kills 4 Students Cleaning Underground Water Tank In UP’s Vrindavan

Last Updated:October 07, 2026, 06:36 IST

The incident took place after students noticed a foul smell coming from the tank, which was around 12 to 14 feet deep.

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said four students, aged between 17 and 20, died in the incident.

Four students died and another was injured after they were exposed to suspected toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a residential Sanskrit school in Vrindavan’s Chaitanya Vihar, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident took place after students noticed a foul smell coming from the tank, which was around 12 to 14 feet deep. The students first used a motor to remove water before attempting to clean the remaining water and sludge.

According to officials, one student entered the tank but soon became unconscious. Four others went inside in an attempt to rescue him, but they too collapsed. All five were pulled out and taken to hospital.

Four Students Die, One Survives

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said four students, aged between 17 and 20, died in the incident. Their bodies were sent to the mortuary and their families were being informed.

The fifth student, identified as Rudra, survived and was receiving treatment. SSP Shlok Kumar said he was conscious and able to speak. He was initially taken to the district hospital before being referred for closer monitoring.

The Mathura Police said the incident occurred at Vrindavan Gurukulam, where students live and study.

Probe Ordered Into Tank Cleaning

Singh said a magisterial inquiry would be held to establish how the incident occurred and whether the gurukulam had the required recognition.

“A magisterial inquiry would be conducted to ascertain how the incident occurred, whether the gurukulam had the required recognition and under what circumstances the students were made to clean the water tank,” he said.

The inquiry will also examine why students were made to clean the underground tank and whether proper safety measures were in place.

Officials said CCTV footage from the premises would be examined as part of the investigation. The police will also take further legal action based on complaints filed by the families of the deceased students.

The district administration has also decided to conduct fresh checks of other gurukulams in the area. Their buildings and facilities will be inspected to identify possible safety risks and prevent similar incidents.

The Chief Minister has taken cognisance of the incident and directed officials to ensure rescue efforts and proper medical treatment for the surviving student, officials said.

(With inputs from ANI)

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What caused the deaths of four students in Vrindavan?

Four students died after being exposed to a suspected toxic gas while cleaning an underground water tank at a residential Sanskrit school in Vrindavan’s Chaitanya Vihar.

What actions were ordered by the district administration following the Vrindavan incident?

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh announced that a magisterial inquiry would be conducted to investigate the incident, check the gurukulam’s recognition, and examine safety protocols. Additionally, the district administration decided to conduct fresh safety inspections of other gurukulams in the area.

Who survived the toxic gas exposure incident in Vrindavan?

A fifth student named Rudra survived the incident and received medical treatment, being described as conscious and able to speak.

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