KUALA LUMPUR – Today, the search-and-rescue operation for Indian national from Andhra Pradesh, Vijaya Lakshmi who fell into a sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India entered its fifth day.
A Bernama survey at the site found authorities had gathered as early as 8am and were seen holding discussions and assigning tasks to carry out the operation for the day.
Meanwhile, Bernama was informed that the woman’s son, identified as Surya, 26, was seen at the search site at about 9am to follow the progress.
A survey in the area at about the same time found that most business premises are still closed.
Nearly 50 media personnel have gathered at the site as early as 8am.
Meanwhile, a source told Bernama that the highly toxic and flammable sewer gas accumulated in a 15m-high sewage tank at the Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) plant in Pantai Dalam posed a significant challenge for the search-and-rescue teams working to locate Vijaya Lakshmi.
The danger was identified after search-and-rescue team members were deployed to inspect the tank, initially with two personnel on Sunday and four yesterday.
“There are various hazardous gases in the tank, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which are both highly toxic and flammable,” the source said.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colourless, highly toxic, and flammable gas with a distinct smell of rotten eggs. It is produced by biological activity when bacteria decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions).
Sources revealed that search personnel used specialised personal protective equipment, designed for single use, and breathing apparatus when entering the tank.
Personnel will be lowered into the tank and the filter section using a rope system to search for any clues regarding the victim.
“The search operation involves using hands and specialised tools. While inside the tank, search-and-rescue team members must avoid making abrupt movements or disturbing the pile of excrement excessively as the accumulated methane gas is flammable. Everything must be handled with great care.
“Search efforts will continue in the tank and the filter area to identify any foreign objects trapped after the faeces were pumped out.
“As of yesterday, no positive results have been found,” the source explained.
In the incident on Friday morning, Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, went missing after falling into an 8m-deep hole. She was on her way to a nearby temple for breakfast when the ground suddenly caved in. – August 27, 2024
