“He Was Screaming For Help”: Delivery Agent Jumps Into 70-Foot Drain to Save Noida Techie, But Fails

A delivery agent who happened to be passing by late on a foggy night emerged as the first civilian to attempt a rescue after a 27-year-old software engineer's car plunged into a deep, water-filled pit in Noida.

Despite his efforts, the techie, Yuvraj Mehta, could not be saved, adding a painful human angle to an incident that has already raised questions about road safety and delayed emergency response.

Delivery agent spots trapped techie, jumps into drain

Moninder, a Flipkart delivery agent, was among the first to reach the spot near Sector 150 after hearing cries for help. He said he saw Mehta trapped inside the submerged car, holding a torch and shouting for assistance from the darkness of the ditch.

Moninder alleged that fire brigade personnel present at the site hesitated to enter the drain during the night. He claimed officials "lacked the willpower" to climb down into the water-filled pit despite repeated pleas from those gathered.

Realising that Mehta was struggling to breathe and running out of time, Moninder tied a rope around his waist and volunteered to descend into the nearly 70-foot-deep ditch himself. He jumped into the water in an attempt to reach the car, but by the time he got close, the techie had already died.

Rescue operation stretches for hours

The accident triggered a prolonged rescue effort involving local police, divers and teams from the National Disaster Response Force. The operation continued for nearly five hours before Mehta's body was finally pulled out of the water-filled basement of the under-construction mall.

By then, Mehta's father had also reached the spot after receiving a desperate phone call from his son. Earlier, Mehta had told him, "Dad, I've fallen into a deep pit filled with water. I'm drowning. Please come and save me. I don't want to die."

Despite multiple agencies being called in, friends and witnesses later questioned why immediate swimming support was not available in the crucial early moments.

Previous accident at same spot flagged

Moninder and others at the scene blamed authorities for ignoring warning signs at the location. The delivery agent pointed out that a truck had fallen into the same ditch around 10 days earlier, yet no corrective steps were taken.

According to those familiar with the stretch, the construction pit lacked proper barricading, warning signage and lighting. On the night of the incident, dense fog further reduced visibility, making the turn especially dangerous for motorists unfamiliar with the road.

Fog, poor visibility cited as cause

Police said the incident occurred on Friday night as Mehta was returning home from work. Due to low visibility caused by dense fog, the car lost control near a turn and crashed into the waterlogged construction pit.

Authorities said preliminary findings suggest poor visibility and speed as contributing factors. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and officials said a memorandum will be sent to the Noida authority highlighting safety lapses at the site.

As residents mourn the loss of a young professional, the delivery agent's failed but fearless attempt to save a stranger has brought renewed focus on accountability, preparedness and the human cost of delayed action.