Noida techie death: Rescue team lacked 'willpower', cited cold water and iron rods for not entering drain

• Software engineer dies as car plunges into pit in Noida Sector 150 amid dense fog
• FIR filed against developers for safety lapses; Noida Authority takes action
• Residents protest for justice over ignored safety warnings.

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The death of a 27-year-old software engineer in Noida’s Sector 150 has raised serious questions about safety lapses and delayed rescue efforts, with an eyewitness alleging that members of the rescue team refused to enter a drain, citing cold water and the presence of iron rods.

Yuvraj Mehta lost his life after his car skidded off the road and plunged into a water-filled pit more than 20 feet deep amid dense fog in the early hours of Saturday. He lived in Tata Eureka Park society in Sector 150 and worked as a software engineer with a reputed firm in Gurugram. He was returning home from work when the accident occurred.

Following the incident, an FIR has been registered against two real estate developers based on a complaint filed by Mehta’s family. The family has accused the authorities and developers of ignoring repeated warnings about the dangerous and accident-prone site.

FIR against developers, action by Noida Authority

Police said the FIR was lodged after the victim’s family alleged negligence in maintaining safety near the drain. Meanwhile, the Noida Authority has taken administrative action in the matter. The services of Naveen Kumar, Junior Engineer of the Noida Traffic Cell, have been terminated with immediate effect.

Show-cause notices have also been issued to officers and employees responsible for traffic-related work in Sector 150. The Noida Authority CEO has directed concerned departments to submit a detailed report on road allocation and construction work carried out by Lotus Builder.

Family alleges long-standing safety negligence

According to the complaint, the accident site had remained unsafe for a long time. Local residents had repeatedly requested that barricades and reflectors be installed near the pit, but no action was taken.

Yuvraj’s father, Raj Mehta, said visibility was extremely poor due to dense fog on the night of the incident and that the boundary wall near the drain was already broken. He alleged that the tragedy could have been prevented if basic safety measures had been put in place.

Eyewitness claims rescue team hesitated

Moninder, a Flipkart delivery agent who witnessed the incident, alleged that rescue efforts were delayed and poorly handled. He claimed that fire brigade officials lacked the willpower to enter the drain to save Yuvraj.

According to Moninder, Yuvraj was alive after the car fell into the pit. He was holding a torch and shouting for help from inside the vehicle. Moninder said rescue personnel refused to enter the water-filled drain, citing cold water and the possibility of iron rods inside.

Seeing Yuvraj struggling to breathe, Moninder tied a rope around his waist and jumped into the drain himself. However, by the time he reached the car, Yuvraj had already died.

Five-hour rescue operation

A rescue operation lasting nearly five hours was carried out by the local police, divers, fire brigade teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Cranes, ladders, makeshift boats, and searchlights were used during the operation.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajeev Narayan Mishra described the incident as unfortunate but denied any negligence. He said visibility was almost zero due to dense fog, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Police added that preliminary findings suggest fog and possible overspeeding may have contributed to the accident. The body has been sent for post-mortem.

Yuvraj’s friend, Pankaj Tokas, said the victim managed to climb onto the roof of the car after the fall and called his father for help. He added that while Yuvraj was fit and over six feet tall, he did not know how to swim.

Protests erupt

After Yuvraj’s death, residents staged protests and held a candle march on Sunday evening, demanding justice and accountability. They blamed local authorities and developers for ignoring safety concerns.

Following the protests, barricades were finally installed at the accident site. Police said further investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.