MOSCOW: In a tragic incident, four people were killed dead, and several others are feared to be missing after participating in a guided tour of Moscow’s sewer system on Sunday, amidst heavy rainfall. The tour took a devastating turn as rising water levels within the sewer made it impossible for the victims to escape to the surface.
According to reports from the TASS news agency, the sudden and substantial increase in water levels occurred after a downpour, catching the participants off guard and trapping them within the underground passages. As emergency responders initiated search and rescue operations, the lifeless body of a man was recovered from the Moskva River. Earlier in the day, the bodies of three individuals, including that of a girl, had been found.
A source within the emergency services stated, “He is the fourth person to have died after the tour through the underground sewers,” underscoring the tragic consequences of the ill-fated excursion.
Moscow’s Extensive Sewer System
Videos circulating on social media depicted investigators inspecting a manhole cover in the capital, while divers embarked on the search in the river Moskva.
Moscow’s extensive sewer system, some portions of which were constructed during the 19th century, has drawn the interest of urban explorers and tour guides alike. These guided tours have allowed participants to venture into the labyrinthine tunnels beneath the city.
One urban explorer recounted that there were shelter points within the tunnel system where individuals could seek refuge, but during the incident, no survivors were located. “I hoped that maybe I would still be able to find some survivors there. There are two shelter points, but there was no one there,” shared urban explorer Daniil Davydov, as reported by the RIA news agency.
In response to the tragic incident, law enforcement authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the organizer of the tour, shedding light on potential lapses or negligence that might have contributed to the unfortunate turn of events.
