Chennai, Aug 24:
A 59-year-old woman died after accidentally falling into an uncovered trench dug for stormwater drainage work in Anna Nagar West Extension amid heavy rain on Sunday night.
The deceased, identified as Kalavathi (59) of Padi Puthunagar’s 10th Street, was working as a housekeeper at a private sweets shop.
According to police, Kalavathi told her daughter Sangeetha that she was going to a church and left home on Sunday night. While walking near the Blue Star junction close to Anna Nagar Tower Metro station, she reportedly fell into a trench dug for stormwater drain construction.
The trench had accumulated rainwater following the showers, making it difficult to spot. Kalavathi reportedly struggled to climb out but was unable to do so and drowned after inhaling water.
On receiving information from the public, personnel from the Anna Nagar police station reached the spot, recovered her body and registered a case. Further investigation is under way.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety measures adopted at stormwater drain construction sites, particularly the failure to properly barricade or cover excavated portions after work.