What Happened in Guna? Five Lives Lost While Rescuing a Calf
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, five individuals died while trying to save a calf from a well. This tragedy echoes a similar situation in Khandwa just months earlier. The community is left grappling with grief and questions about safety protocols during rescue attempts.
Key Takeaways
- Five individuals died attempting to rescue a calf in Guna, Madhya Pradesh.
- The incident raises concerns about safety protocols in rural areas.
- Emergency services faced criticism for their delayed response.
- The calf was successfully rescued.
- This incident mirrors a previous tragedy in Khandwa.
Bhopal, June 24 (NationPress) Five individuals tragically lost their lives on Tuesday in Dharnavada village, located in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh, while attempting to rescue a calf from a well.
The unfortunate event transpired when the calf accidentally fell into a well situated within a mango orchard. In their effort to save the animal, six people ventured into the well one after another. Only one, identified as Pawan Kushwaha, managed to emerge alive, while the other five perished.
The District Collector, Kishore Kumar Kanyal, confirmed the sad news, stating, “Our rescue crew arrived at the location, but tragically, five individuals had lost their lives. Only one person was able to escape. The calf was saved. We will provide all necessary support to the families affected by this tragedy.”
The deceased were recognized as Siddharth Saharia (25), Gurudayal Ojha (40), Shivcharan Sahu (40), Sonu Kushwaha (28), and Mannu Kushwaha (35), all residents of the village.
Initial reports indicate that the well may have contained carbon monoxide or another hazardous gas. The district administration has commenced laboratory analyses to ascertain the precise nature of the gas and confirm the cause of death.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) unit from GAIL, and local police, guided by senior officials, executed the rescue operation utilizing oxygen cylinders and ropes. Sadly, despite their best efforts, the five men could not be saved.
The SDERF team highlighted that the well held about 12 feet of water, complicating the rescue operation. Villagers noted that the well had not been regularly used and might have accumulated dangerous gases over time.
Local sources conveyed that emergency services arrived nearly two hours post-incident report. Due to the lack of prompt medical assistance, two individuals were transported to the hospital in a private vehicle.
This delay incited significant criticism from residents, who voiced their disappointment regarding the authorities' response time.
Although the calf was ultimately rescued, this incident has raised alarms regarding safety protocols in rural locales and the perils associated with uncoordinated rescue attempts lacking proper equipment or supervision.
In a similar tragic incident in April, eight lives were lost in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh when one man fell into a well, and seven others followed him in a desperate attempt to rescue him.
Regrettably, none of them managed to return to the surface. By the time rescue teams arrived, all eight individuals were discovered unresponsive at the bottom of the well, which had turned muddy and waterlogged.
The event occurred in Kondawat village, coinciding with preparations for the Gangaur festival.
Point of View
I firmly believe that incidents like these highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures in rural areas. While the bravery of those who attempted the rescue is commendable, we must emphasize the importance of proper training and equipment in emergency situations.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of the five individuals?
Initial investigations suggest the presence of carbon monoxide or other toxic gases in the well, which may have contributed to the fatalities.
How long did it take for emergency services to arrive?
Emergency services reportedly arrived approximately two hours after the incident was reported, leading to criticism from local residents.
What happened to the calf?
Fortunately, the calf was rescued during the incident despite the tragic loss of human lives.
Have similar incidents occurred in the area?
Yes, a similar incident resulted in the loss of eight lives in Khandwa district earlier this year, emphasizing a need for better safety protocols.
What actions are being taken following this incident?
The district administration has begun laboratory tests to determine the gas composition in the well and is reviewing safety measures for future rescue operations.
