An outing inspired by social media for photographs resulted in tragedy when an 18-year-old BTech student drowned in a quarry filled with water in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district on Friday. The victim, identified as Pavan Sai, was a first-year student at Geethanjali Engineering College and had joined a group of college mates for the excursion.

The group had consisted of twelve students, including three females, who were drawn to the site after witnessing its picturesque appearances in Instagram reels. The outing was likely meant for leisure and photography, but it turned into a distressing situation when two students entered the water in search of better photo opportunities.

Details of the Drowning Incident

According to reports from local authorities, Pavan and another student ventured into the water for photography purposes. One student decided to move to a nearby rock, stating that he would touch it and return promptly. Unfortunately, he was unable to return, as he reportedly did not possess swimming skills and began to drown.

Emergency officials were alerted to the incident on Friday evening after the incident was reported. The information prompted an immediate response from local rescue teams who were dispatched to the scene to assist in the situation. The quick reaction was crucial, as it occurred shortly before nightfall, complicating visibility and search efforts.

Rescue teams from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) were mobilised to the quarry site, which posed challenges due to its steep rock faces. Access to the area was difficult, necessitating the use of a boat for the search. Rescuers employed a boat to navigate the water-filled pit and effectively conduct a search operation, aiming to locate Pavan as swiftly as possible.

Body Recovery and Investigation

A team led by rescue in-charge P Swami succeeded in retrieving Pavan’s body using the boat in approximately ten minutes after launching their operation. The successful recovery of the body brought some closure to the tragic incident for the group of students and their families, although it served as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in unfamiliar environments.

Following the recovery of the body, the Jawahar Nagar police took possession and initiated an investigation. They registered a case concerning the incident and later transferred the body for post-mortem examination to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has raised concerns about safety during student excursions, especially when engaging in activities such as swimming in unverified locations. Educational institutions may need to examine protocols regarding student outings to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place, minimising the potential for such tragic events in the future.

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