Greater Noida | Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against a real estate developer after a 27-year-old technology professional died when his car fell into a water-filled basement at an under-construction commercial complex in Greater Noida’s Sector 150 in the early hours of Saturday.
The case has been filed following preliminary findings that point to alleged safety lapses at the construction site, including inadequate barricading and insufficient warning measures near a roadside drain adjoining the property.
According to police officials, the incident occurred when the man was driving along a poorly lit stretch and lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a turn. The car reportedly broke through the boundary wall of a drain and plunged into a flooded basement area of the under-construction building, which had accumulated a significant volume of rainwater.
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Rescue delayed by site conditions
Emergency services were alerted shortly after the crash. However, rescue efforts were hampered by the depth of the water, low visibility, and the presence of construction material and iron rods inside the pit. By the time responders were able to access the submerged vehicle, the occupant was found unconscious and later declared dead.
Officials said the basement, which was not secured or adequately fenced off, had effectively turned into a concealed water trap following recent rainfall. The absence of visible warning signs and protective barriers is now a central focus of the investigation.
Police action and legal provisions
The FIR has been registered against the builder under sections related to causing death by negligence and violations of safety norms. Investigators are examining whether mandatory construction safety guidelines were followed and if the site posed a foreseeable risk to road users.
Police have also sought records related to site approvals, safety audits, and compliance with local development authority norms. Statements from site supervisors, security personnel, and nearby witnesses are being recorded as part of the probe.
Concerns over urban construction safety
The incident has renewed concerns over safety practices at construction sites across the National Capital Region, particularly those located close to public roads and drains. Urban planning experts have repeatedly flagged the risks posed by open basements, unguarded excavations, and poor drainage management at large construction projects.
Local residents in the area said the stretch has witnessed waterlogging and visibility issues in the past, especially during late-night hours. They alleged that complaints about inadequate barricading near construction zones often go unaddressed until a serious accident occurs.
Administrative review likely
Officials indicated that civic and development authorities may conduct a broader review of construction sites in the area to assess compliance with safety norms. Enforcement action, including penalties and stop-work notices, could follow if violations are found.
The case has also prompted calls for stricter monitoring of under-construction properties, particularly during the monsoon season, when flooded basements and open pits can turn deadly.
A preventable tragedy
Police officials said the investigation would focus on fixing accountability and determining whether the death could have been prevented through basic safety measures. “Construction sites abutting public roads must not pose a hazard to commuters,” an officer said, adding that negligence in such cases would be dealt with firmly.
The incident underscores the growing safety challenges posed by rapid urban development and highlights the need for stronger enforcement to ensure that construction activity does not endanger lives.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
