A 26-year-old model from Delhi, Divyanshu Joshi, tragically drowned in an abandoned stone quarry located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The incident occurred on May 28 while he was scouting locations for a commercial advertisement shoot. Reports indicate that Joshi had travelled to Kochi specifically for a clothing brand campaign.

The tragic event unfolded in the afternoon at the picturesque Pettamala site, where Joshi and a companion visited the quarry. According to police accounts, Joshi entered the water but allegedly lost his balance shortly thereafter. His friend, who was capturing the moment on video, raised the alarm, leading nearby residents to contact emergency services.

Fire and rescue teams promptly arrived at the location following the emergency call. Joshi was retrieved from a depth of approximately 30 feet and transported to the government hospital in Perumbavoor, where medical staff later pronounced him dead on arrival.

Quarry Risks and Warnings

Authorities have indicated that the quarry, inactive for over two decades, is considered highly hazardous, with certain areas having water depths approaching 100 feet. A preliminary investigation suggests that Joshi and his group chose the site due to appealing aerial footage circulating on social media.

Shimy Varghese, the president of the local panchayat, shared her concerns regarding the quarry’s dangers, stating that it had been known as a perilous site for several years. “We had warned against visiting this abandoned quarry, which had claimed lives in the past. We had installed warning signs to deter individuals from entering,” Varghese noted.

Varghese further explained that the local panchayat had not authorised any filming at the site, adding, “We do not know how they were able to reach this dangerous location.” The information highlights ongoing challenges associated with access and safety in abandoned areas.

Company’s Statement and Response

Following the tragic incident, Kartik Research, the brand for which Joshi was working, released a statement expressing their sorrow at his passing. In their message, the company described Joshi as a cherished member of their team, emphasising his dedication and kindness over the past two years while managing their Delhi store.

“Divyanshu was deeply loved by his colleagues and will be sincerely missed by everyone fortunate enough to know and work with him,” the statement read. The company expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

In their response to media coverage, the brand also contested what they deemed as misleading reports surrounding the circumstances of the incident. They clarified that Joshi was in Kerala for a seasonal photo shoot and was not engaged in any swimming-related activity as part of the filming. The company aimed to correct the portrayal of events leading to the accident, asserting that some narratives had mischaracterised the situation.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share